Virginia Tech is looking to end their three-game losing streak against a Miami team also looking to end a three-game losing streak of their own. If the Hokies are to reach a bowl game this season, they need to find a way to steal one of the 2 remaining games in this tough October stretch prior to an easier November stretch where 4-0 is possible but not very probable at all.
So with that said, here are my three things to watch for the Hokies against Miami.
1. Can Alan Tisdale Provide a Defensive Boost for the Hokies?
Arguably the biggest news this week for Virginia Tech was the announcement that Alan Tisdale was eligible with the veteran expected to start at will linebacker this weekend. Tisdale was also at the top of the depth chart at that spot this week and though it was with an "OR" with Jayden McDonald, Brent Pry's comments this week seemed to make it pretty clear that Tisdale is the guy at will LB.
The will linebacker spot has been riddled with inconsistency this season with Jaden Keller, Jayden McDonald, and Keli Lawson all rotating in and out, and the first 2 having some flashes but not being able to be consistent. Tisdale's experience and past productivity may give the Hokies the type of consistency they've been needing at that position even if Tisdale doesn't have the same ceiling as some of those younger will LBs.
The addition of Tisdale and this matchup makes this a great opportunity for Tech's rush defense to have a get right game given how the Hurricanes are averaging only 4 yards per carry.
His addition also comes at a good time when Miami's NFL Draft QB prospect Tyler Van Dyke seems to be finding his form after throwing for nearly 500 yards last week. Tisdale has always been known for being a plus pass coverage linebacker which is a nice small boost especially if Tech is without Dorian Strong again. While Tisdale doesn't nearly make up for that loss, it does shore up an issue elsewhere.
So can Alan Tisdale provide the Hokies with a defensive boost? If he can, it could prove crucial for their hopes of beating Miami.
2. Can Grant Wells Find His Rhythm Against Stingy Miami Defense?
Virginia Tech will face one of their toughest defensive matchups to date against a Miami defense that outside of the disaster against Middle Tennessee, has played fairly well this season.
Yes, North Carolina put up 27 points last week, but the Tar Heels have one of the top 10-12 QBs so far this season in Drake Maye and the Hurricanes were able to force a pair of interceptions off of him. Earlier this season against Texas A&M, the Hurricanes held the Aggies to only 6 completions to non-running backs with Max Johnson throwing for under 150 yards, and special teams issues being the primary reason why A&M was even able to put up 17 points at home.
Grant Wells has shown some improvement as the season has progressed, but Miami is going to provide one of his toughest tests to date, and his ability to limit turnovers will be tested.
Miami's safeties in particular have been quite good with Kamren Kitchens having 3 interceptions this season and James Williams having an interception plus 3 pass breakups, and both ranking in the top 7 PFF grades among those who have played at least 50% of all snaps. They also have plenty of experience at cornerback with DJ Ivey and Tyrique Stevenson who is somewhat banged up but seems likely to play as Mario Cristobal hinted at earlier this week.
The matchup may mean Tech has to get creative especially since the Hurricanes are certain to key in on Kaleb Smith who has been the one consistently productive WR for the Hokies all year. Regardless, part of the question will be whether Wells can make some plays while also avoiding turnovers on a day where Tech most likely needs to win the turnover margin to have a reasonable chance?
If he can, it'll be a very good sign of him taking significant steps in his development.
3. Can Malachi Thomas Continue To Lead a Rushing Improvement For VT?
Malachi Thomas made his 2022 debut for the Hokies against Pittsburgh last week, arguably the best defense Tech has faced up to that point. With Tech's rushing attack and run blocking struggling mightily, it seemed like Thomas might provide a small boost but nothing more.
Instead, Thomas proved to be a significant boost as a physical, downhill runner who does a great job of getting extra yards. Combine that with slightly improved run blocking and some good draw and counter play calls, and the Tech rushing attack showed signs of life with Thomas having 84 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries averaging well over 5 yards per carry in the process. Tech as a whole averaged over 4 yards per carry which isn't spectacular but still is a big improvement for a team that only had 1 carry out of 11 by RBs go for more than 2 yards 2 games prior against West Virginia.
So can Malachi Thomas and the Hokies build on that?
Well the competition is steep this week in a Miami defense allowing only 3.1 yards per carry led by talented LB Corey Flagg Jr who leads the Hurricanes with 30 tackles including 7.5 for loss. The Hurricanes as a whole have 7 guys with at least 2 tackles for loss this season, an impressive that shows how strong they've been stopping the run.
There's no doubt that Thomas should help the Hokies in this game on the ground, but this is a real tough matchup for a rushing attack that has struggled most of the season with run blocking that has been below average being the main issue.
If they can match what they did last week which would still be unspectacular, it would be a great sign of progress with a weaker November schedule looming.
