Wahoo Wire

Coming off arguably the most disappointing loss of the season, the Hoos look to rebound in Coral Gables this Thursday night against a resurgent Miami team that has reeled off two straight wins. UVa will be in ESPN’s Thursday night spotlight for the first time since the Hoos shut out UNC back in 2006.

The Cavs and ‘Canes both come into this matchup at a mediocre 4-3, each desperately needing this contest to bolster postseason bowl aspirations. The ‘Canes, led by QB Jacory Harris and standout tailback Lamar Miller, are coming off a convincing 24-7 victory over Georgia Tech. Meanwhile, the Hoos last week failed to capitalize on the momentum stemming from their own previous upset of Georgia Tech and were handled 28-14 by an average NC State team at home.

Miami’s turbulent season began amidst tremendous controversy, with former booster Nevin Shapiro admitting to doling out gifts and monetary incentives to former and current Miami players. Beset by distraction (and the lack of free jewelry, yacht parties, and strippers) the Canes sputtered to a 2-3 record. After winning their last two contests, the Canes look to have put that distraction behind them and are playing their explosive and winning brand of football.

From the Cavaliers perspective, this week will mark a dramatic shift in the way Coach London handles the quarterback position. In the recent loss to NC State, Coach London gave both Michael Rocco and David Watford equal playing time. While neither quarterback was stellar, Watford threw for three interceptions. London has acknowledged that the rotating quarterback carousel has made it difficult to get Rocco in a rhythm, and has promised that in Thursday night’s matchup, Watford will see only plays, not entire series.

Ultimately, I don’t like the Hoos chances in this one. They have played their best at times when they have flown under the radar (see Georgia Tech). Last weekend they had a chance to get a leg up in the Coastal by defeating a lackluster NC State team at home. At a juncture where they had garnered a bit of national attention, the Hoos squandered their opportunity by forgetting to show up. Not that anyone is picking UVA as the favorite this Thursday, but I don’t see them contending with the ‘Canes on the primetime stage.

Miami has a tendency to get into shootout-style games, with 6’5 WR Tommy Streeter and senior speedster Travis Benjamin capably stretching defenses. The Hoos have not been explosive on offense at all this season. If the Hoos pull this game out, they will have to control time of possession by establishing the run and playing stout defense with defenders keeping contain on the edges, essentially following the same formula they used to neutralize the triple option of Georgia Tech.

Prediction: Miami 31-UVA 14