Virginia Football Schedule Preview: Miami

By: Kris Wright |
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Canaan Severin’s one-handed catch in last season’s game will be remembered for a long time. ~ Mike Ingalls

Virginia busted out of a late-season slump by defeating Miami 30-13 last November. In fact, Mike London’s Hoos have become a bit of a nemesis for the Hurricanes. UVa has won four of the last five meetings. Miami is as confusing week to week as anyone in the ACC Coastal Division, but when the Hurricanes put it altogether, they’re impressive. When they don’t, it’s ugly. If Miami is going to be more consistent this season, it will do so with a young roster. There are only 12 seniors.

Miami Peek

  • Head Coach (record at school): Al Golden (28-22)
  • 2014 Record: 6-7
  • Offense 2014 Total Yards/Game (National ranking): 430.3 (47th)
  • Offense 2014 Points/Game: 29.2 (62nd – tie)
  • Defense 2014 Total Yards/Game: 329.6 (14th)
  • Defense 2014 Points/Game: 24.3 (37th – tie)

What To Expect On Game Day

Offense: Miami is typically a multiple formation, pro-style team that relies on skill players to make plays. That often works in the talent-rich state of Florida. There will be a lot of youngsters in the play-making roles this season. The U only has three seniors on the offensive side of the ball.

Leading the way is sophomore quarterback Brad Kaaya, who started last season as a true freshman. Kaaya earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors after a strong debut. He led the ACC in passing touchdowns (26), passing efficiency (145.9), and passing yards per completion (14.5). He ranked second in the league with 3,198 passing yards. Over the final seven weeks of the season, he threw 13 touchdown passes against just three interceptions. He had a touchdown pass in every game.

The Hurricanes must replace the production of running back Duke Johnson (1,652 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns), receiver Phillip Dorsett (871 yards, 10 TDs), and tight end Clive Walford (676 yards, seven TDs). Two sophomores are among the likely breakout candidates. Running back Joe Yearby posted 509 rushing yards as a reserve last season, while receiver Braxton Berrios had 21 catches for 232 yards and three touchdowns in 2014. Berrios has upperclassman to help carry the load at his position with senior Herb Waters (277 yards, one TD) and juniors Malcolm Lewis (248 yards, one TD) and Stacy Coley (184 yards).

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