Gameday: Miami at Virginia

Miami at Virginia | Noon | WSET

OFFENSE: EVEN

Miami junior quarterback Stephen Morris has the highest passing total in an ACC game this year, 566 yards in a 44-37 victory over North Carolina State, and has thrown for 2,384 yards and 12 touchdowns. UVa quarterbacks Phillip Sims and Michael Rocco have thrown for 2,399 yards and 12 touchdowns, but have been intercepted 16 times, compared to the 12 picks yielded by Morris.

DEFENSE: EDGE CAVALIERS

Miami ranks 113th out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams with a yield of 490.4 yards per game. Virginia, on the other hand, ranks 32nd in total defense and is giving up 341.2 yards per game. None of UVa's last three opponents has managed to gain 250 yards. Eight straight Miami opponents have rushed for 200 yards or more and two teams have passed for 440 yards or more.

SPECIAL TEAMS: EDGE HURRICANES

The Hurricanes boast one of the most dynamic return specialists in the country in freshman Duke Johnson, who has an ACC-leading 31.4-yard average on kickoff returns and faces a Cavalier coverage unit that gave up a 106-yard kickoff return by Maryland freshman Stephon Diggs. Miami's Jake Wieclaw is 13 of 18 on field goals; UVa's two kickers are 9 for 15.

INTANGIBLES: EDGE HURRICANES

UVa will be attempting to snap a three-game losing streak at Scott Stadium, where the Cavaliers are 2-4 in ACC play over the past two years. Over the same span, UVa is 4-3 in ACC road games. Miami appears vulnerable but has played a much tougher schedule against the likes of No. 3 Kansas State, No. 4 Notre Dame and No. 8 Florida State.

PREDICTION: Miami 24, Virginia 20

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