Wahoo Wire

The Virginia offense was virtually nonexistent while 17th ranked Miami’s moved up and down the field with ease as the ‘Canes cruised to a victory over the Cavaliers, 52-17.

Junior QB Marc Verica was just 11-for-29 with 75 yards and an interception, and the Wahoo offense could only manage 129 total yards to Miami’s 515. Virginia actually led briefly in the first quarter when Rashawn Jackson scored on a 34-yard run following a blocked punt, but the Hurricanes were quick to retake the advantage. The Cavaliers blocked another punt and ran it in for a TD for their only other score of the game.

Meanwhile, Miami was able to dominate on offense and defense, and even got a special teams strike. Thearon Collier’s dazzling 60 yard punt return gave the ‘Canes the lead for good, and Miami did not look back from there. Even with a huge lead in the 4th quarter, Miami continued to pour it on — passing the ball and going for it on 4th down in order to run up the score. The Hurricanes were clearly mindful of the 48-0 beat down Virginia handed them in the Orange Bowl’s final game two seasons ago.

“Miami’s got a lot of playmakers in all three phases of the game – and we had a lot of difficulty controlling those playmakers and matching those playmakers,” Virginia coach Al Groh said.

The ‘Hoos certainly did; in addition to Miami’s defensive and special teams performances, RB Graig Cooper rushed for 152 yards and a TD, and QB Jacory Harris threw for 232 yards and 2 TD’s.

Virginia now needs to win its final three games (vs. Boston College, at Clemson, vs. Virginia Tech) to finish 6-6 and bowl eligible.

Miami jumped to second place in the ACC (4-2) and 7-2 overall. The poor showing Saturday certainly didn’t brighten Al Groh’s future, as athletic director Craig Littlepage stated earlier in the week that Groh would be evaluated at the end of the season.