3 Keys to Victory: Miami Vs Virginia

We all know by now how devastating the 30-26 defeat at the hands of the Seminoles was last week.

Miami had everything you could want in a HUGE win at their fingertips, only to see it slip away in an agonizing second half.

Along with it, they lost the possibility of representing the ACC Coastal Division in the Conference Championship Game.

Congrats Georgia Tech.

But there is still,  yes there is STILL, much to play for.

The difference in confidence, approach, (though not likely, maybe staff), and perception of the program will be light years apart should the team stumble to a 6-6 or 6-7 finish, as opposed to winning these last two games and performing well in a Bowl Game and ending at 9-4.

And seniors like Denzel Perryman, Clive Walford, Shane McDermott, and Phillip Dorsett among others, not to mention any underclassmen thinking of leaving, deserve to finish this season with pride.

Step 1 in all of the above is winning at UVA.

Here are my three keys to victory this weekend Vs The Virginia Cavaliers:

#1 Play this week's game not last's -  The FSU game is gone, over, and never to be played again (well at least until next year).  The 'Canes can not get back those plays they left on the field Vs The Noles.  No amount of punishment delivered to the QB's on the Hoos will be felt by Jameis Winston.   If UM tries to make up for the disappointments of last week their focus can not be on the task at hand. The leaders on the team and the coaching staff need to communicate this to the entire roster. If Miami does not play the team in front of them,  they will lose.

#2 A trip to the record books should mean a trip to victory lane -  Duke Johnson is only 122 yards away from setting the University of Miami's All-Time Rushing Yardage Record.  Personal achievements aside, if he can rush for about that amount or more,  Vs a very stout UVA front seven, it will take all of the pressure off of Brad Kaaya not to mention set up some huge passes down field.  Virginia's D has been the strength of the team this season, but their only chance to slow down this Hurricane offense is to keep Johnson in check.  If Duke runs wild, UM will light up the scoreboard, and the Hoos offense isn't good enough to keep pace.

#3 Dominate defensively - Kevin Parks is a nice player at RB,  but the combination of Greyson Lambert, Matt Johns, and maybe even David Watford,  should look like the peewee league after facing Winston.  The Hurricanes defense has played some excellent ball the past month.  Denzel Perryman, Jermaine Grace, Tyriq McCord, and Corn Elder could/should all have big games tonight.  They will likely be with out S Deon Bush, but they  should still have enough to rattle an inconsistent Hoos O.

There you have it Hurricanes fans. If Miami can shrug off last weekend, get their best player into the record books, and continue the recent stretch of excellent defensive play, they should win big tonight.

Enjoy the game!