Virginia Tech at Miami
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WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dolphin Stadium, Miami (74,916).
FORECAST: Partly cloudy, mid 70s.
TV: ESPN. RADIO: WTEM (980 AM).
RECORDS: Hokies 6-3, 3-2 ACC; Hurricanes 6-3, 3-2.
COACHES: Frank Beamer (173-88-2, 22nd year); Randy Shannon (11-10, second year).
WHEN THE HOKIES HAVE THE BALL: With Tyrod Taylor questionable for the second straight week and more than a week before Virginia Tech plays next, do not be surprised if Sean Glennon starts at quarterback. Running back Darren Evans will continue to carry a hefty load. The wrinkle to watch is a continued emphasis on the "Wild Turkey" formation, which features tight end Greg Boone at quarterback and wide receiver Dyrell Roberts and cornerback Macho Harris as threats to take the ball on a reverse. "I think we've got us something that's different," Coach Frank Beamer said, "and I think we want to continue to develop that."
WHEN THE HURRICANES HAVE THE BALL: The Hurricanes employ a two-quarterback system, sticking with the hot hand between redshirt freshman Robert Marve and true freshman Jacory Harris. In Miami's 24-17 win over Virginia on Nov. 1, the Hurricanes counted on Harris during the stretch. Miami has surpassed 400 total yards in two of its past three games. As young players continue to emerge in the passing game -- four of Miami's top five wide receivers are freshmen -- the Hurricanes could again become the program that caused Beamer so much worry for so many years. Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster has tried to get his defense to not give up so many big plays.
SPECIAL TEAMS: For the Hokies, Roberts has stood out recently as a kick returner, and Harris always is a threat as a punt returner. Miami has a long history of standout returners, and Travis Benjamin appears ready to the join the legacy. Both place kickers -- Virginia Tech's Dustin Keys and Miami's Matt Bosher -- are talented. Virginia Tech allowed another blocked punt in last Thursday's win over Maryland, but Beamer said the problem is correctable. At this point in the season and with a game of this magnitude, a special teams mistake could be especially costly.
COACHING: Beamer has a long history against Miami. Although he's only in his second season, Shannon had a long history of game-planning while he was a Hurricanes assistant. The former Big East rivals have continued a string of good games in the ACC. The teams are 4-4 in their last eight meetings. Tonight's game will go a long way toward determining the Coastal Division championship.
-- Zach Berman
