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Miami at Virginia Tech 7 PM ESPN
- The annual ACC Coastal rivalry tilt returns to Thursday night. Both teams are fighting for their division lives as they are coming off sloppy losses on Saturday. Miami lost a it wasn't really close game but the final score type of game to North Carolina last week. The Hokies were ineffective during an upset loss to Syracuse last week. All is not lost for the Hokies, however as they still control their destiny if they win tonight as they hold the head to head tiebreaker with UNC and has Pittsburgh next week. The Canes seem to have reverted to their post FSU loss slide of recent tradition. They need a lot of help plus a win tonight to represent the Coastal division in Orlando. When both teams are going pretty decently, this is a rivalry game that bears watching as there's usually a lot of underrated NFL caliber talent on each squad. Both teams feature first year head coaches in Mark Richt and Justin Fuente (who should be in the running for Coach of the Year). MCM's favorite Hokie, Bonzos should be watching tonight as the specter of the infamous Beamer Ball aspect of the Hokies program lingers.
Miami prospects to watch
1. Brad Kaaya 6'4 210 QB Junior
- Kaaya could make an argument for the title of the nation's best quarterback prospect after a month's worth of games. He has all the intangibles that one look for in a quarterback such as work ethic and leadership. He was consistently one of the underclassmen last year that I harped on a lot. While not having the strongest arm in the class, he always seems to find a way to get it to his playmakers. Football IQ and instincts are very good. He knows when and how to utilize the fastball and the touch passes at the right moment in most cases. If I had to make a comp for him right now, I'd go with a slightly less athletic Marcus Mariota or a bigger arm Colt McCoy (who's carved out a pretty decent living as a backup QB).
2. Stacy Coley 6'1 195 WR Senior
- Coley could end up being a better receiver than Phillip Dorsett in their Miami careers. Needs to improve his consistency in route running and hands. Needs to quit looking for the home run play and takes what the defense gives him. Experienced at both punt and kick returns. Needs to add more muscle to his frame as currently built, he won’t hold up for the rigors of an NFL schedule.
3. Chad Thomas 6'6 265 DE Junior
- Thomas has more than lived up to his five star billing from high school during his Canes career. He has been Miami's best defensive lineman the past couple of years. Remember Anthony Chickillo? Thomas is miles better than he is right now in terms of their college careers. A speed rush specialist that will likely need to add or lose weight depending on what his NFL team asks him to do.
Virginia Tech prospects to watch
1. Isiah Ford 6'2 190 WR Junior
- Ford could be one of the nation's best receivers this year as new HC Justin Fuente unleashes a high power offensive attack in Blacksburg. He has been a consistent weapon for the Hokies during his career despite the general lack of offensive prowess displayed by VT during the latter stages of Frank Beamer's coaching regime (0-0 ties were celebrated like Super Bowl victories by Beamer, just a joke there, Bonzos). A tall, lanky receiver type like former Titan Justin Hunter that needs to add some more weight to hold up against NFL DBs. An excellent route runner that possesses a veteran savvy about little tricks to fool opposing defenders. Footwork is above average. Plus athleticism. Could go high as the third or fourth round on measureables alone.