GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: A banged-up Virginia Tech defensive line has to find a way to stop the run. In the past three weeks, the Hokies have allowed 465 rushing yards to Georgia Tech’s triple-option, 219 yards to Boston College and 492 to Pitt. Starting DE Emmanuel Belmar missed last week’s game due to an undisclosed injury. Coach Justin Fuente said he “hopes” to get back Belmar and starting defensive tackle Jarrod Hewitt, who also missed last week’s game. Starting DE Houshun Gaines suffered a left knee injury last week and is out for the season.
Miami is averaging 190.7 rushing yards per game, led by Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas.
DRAFT SLANT
–DT Ricky Walker has 31 tackles this season, including five for loss, as the only senior starter on defense. Walker made 41 tackles, including 12.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks, as a junior when he had more help. Walker is likely a late-round prospect.
ROSTER REPORT
–DE Houshun Gaines is out for the season after suffering a left knee injury against Pitt on Nov. 10.
–OLB Dylan Rivers (ankle) has missed the past two games. His status, as of early in the week, was unknown.
–RB Deshawn McClease did not play last week due to an undisclosed injury. His status was unknown.
–DE Emmanuel Belmar missed last week’s game due to an undisclosed injury. He is questionable for this week’s game vs. Miami.
–DT Jarrod Hewitt missed last week’s game because of an undisclosed injury. He is questionable to play this week.
–DE Trevon Hill was dismissed from the team on Sept. 23 a day after the loss at Old Dominion. The reason given was “not upholding the high standards we have for our student-athletes” Fuente said in a statement. Hill, a junior, had 20 career tackles for loss, including 4.5 this season in three games.
–LB Devon Hunter, a sophomore, will redshirt after playing the first four games of the season. Under a new NCAA rule, a player can play up to four games and still save a year of eligibility.
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