Area College Football Previews

Virginia at No. 16 Miami

When: noon.

Where: Land Shark Stadium, Miami.

Records: Cavaliers 3-5, 2-2 ACC; Hurricanes 6-2, 3-2.

TV: WTTG (Channel 5), WJZ (Channel 13).

Radio: WGRQ (95.9 FM), WTNT (570 AM).

Pass on the pass?: Virginia's offensive problems begin at the line of scrimmage, where the offensive line has struggled to open holes for the running backs and provide time for quarterback Jameel Sewell, who is doubtful with a shoulder injury. Marc Verica, who completed 27 of 41 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown last season against the Hurricanes, will likely take the snaps for the Cavaliers, though Vic Hall also could see time under center. Miami's defense is allowing nearly 350 yards per game and surrendered 965 yards the past two games combined.

Familiar foe: Miami's Jacory Harris has developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC in his sophomore season. He led Miami to a fourth-quarter comeback and an overtime win last year against the Cavaliers, so Virginia's defense is aware of Harris's abilities. Eight players have caught touchdown passes for Miami this season, and they have speed at every skill position. The Cavaliers need better performances from heralded cornerbacks Ras-I Dowling and Chris Cook, who allowed a game-winning touchdown against Duke last week.

On the hot seat: Virginia Coach Al Groh's job security has become a hotter topic than ever this week after losing to Duke. The Cavaliers need to win three of their last four games just to reach a bowl game, and each loss appears to bring Groh closer to his finale with the Cavaliers. Randy Shannon is beginning to turn the Hurricanes around after struggling early in his tenure, although a loss to Virginia on homecoming could provoke critics who suggest he's a better recruiter than head coach.

-- Zach Berman

South Carolina State at Howard

When: 1 p.m.

Where: Greene Stadium.

Records: Bison 2-6, 0-5 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference; Bulldogs 7-1, 5-0.

Ground to a halt: Howard's running game stalled against Norfolk State last weekend, as the Bison gained a season-low 19 rushing yards. Freshman Andra Williams, who had been running the ball well, finished with minus-five yards on seven carries. Quarterback Floyd Haigler was the team's leading rusher with 17 yards on nine carries.

Opposite directions: South Carolina State, the defending MEAC champion, has won 16 consecutive MEAC games, while Howard has lost 16 consecutive MEAC games. The Bison haven't beaten the Bulldogs since 2002, losing six in a row to them. South Carolina State has outscored Howard 115-21 in the last two games between the teams.

High scoring: The Bulldogs have the most prolific offense in the MEAC this season, averaging 30.5 points per game. They are led by junior quarterback Malcolm Long, who has thrown for 1,583 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. His favorite target is senior wide receiver Oliver Young, who has caught a MEAC-leading 39 passes for 573 yards.

-- Kathy Orton

Georgetown at Marist

When: 1 p.m.

Where: Leonidoff Field, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Records: Hoyas 0-8; Red Foxes 5-3.

Quarterback carousel: After completing just four passes for 25 yards in the first half last Saturday against Old Dominion, freshman quarterback Isaiah Kempf gave way to sophomore Scott Darby in the second half. Darby, appearing in just his second game this season, completed 14 of 31 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown, a six-yard pass to Brandon Floyd. He also threw an interception. If Darby starts against Marist, he will be the third quarterback to start for Georgetown this season.

Rau returns: After tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the spring game and missing the first seven games of the season, senior cornerback Chris Rau returned to the starting lineup against Old Dominion and finished with a team-high seven tackles.

On the move: Charlie Houghton had a breakout game against Old Dominion. The 2006 Patriot League rookie of the year became the Hoyas first 100-yard rusher this season, gaining 112 yards on 19 carries. He also returned five kickoffs for 122 yards.

-- Kathy Orton