Miami Hurricanes Football: Three Stars From the Virginia Tech Game

This week, the Hurricanes took their quest to win their sixth game of the 2018 season on the road to Blacksburg, Virginia. In a battle between two former Big East foes, the gleam of this game was tarnished by the current iterations of both programs. This afternoon, the next chapter of the Hokies versus the Hurricanes was a patch job to halt the leaking faucet that had both teams entering this game on losing streaks.

For Miami, the plumber has cleared the gunk out of the drain, securing a 38-14 victory at the expense of their conference rival. The Hurricanes appeared to resemble the bullies that fans had hoped for at the beginning of the season. The Canes broke free of an accursed four-game losing streak, gaining bowl eligibility. Yes indeed, your Miami Hurricanes are back in the win column.

Third Star

QB N’Kosi Perry

Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

The first start on the road didn’t go so well for redshirt freshman QB N’Kosi Perry. Last weekend’s game against Georgia Tech was decent given the circumstances, but ultimately landed the Canes with yet another L in the win-loss column. Perry earned his third start of the season based on his accuracy and strength to push the ball down the field.Tonight, Perry made enough passes to not put Miami behind the stick and helped them march down the field on offense. Standing in the pocket to scan the field, Perry took some lumps from free defenders, eating a few sacks on the evening.In spite of the pressure, Perry managed to keep his nerves about him.

No. 5 threw his first TD pass in a game since doing so against Florida State. The legs of the former Vanguard HS star allowed him to pull off a disappearing act from harm, rushing for 36 yards and his first career TD this afternoon.

Finishing the day with 21 completions on 34 pass attempts, two TDs and zero interceptions, it’s evident that Perry is perhaps the brightest star for the Canes moving forward.

Second Star

CB Trajan Bandy

Entering this game, there was a question of whether VT head coach Justin Fuente would try to take advantage of their six-foot plus receiver’s size over Miami’s 5’9”, 180 pound cornerback. The Hokies tried to post up CB Trajan Bandy, but it was the Columbus High School alum that came up big today. After catching an errant leg to the throat, Bandy writhed on the grass of Lane Stadium in agony. Fortunately for the Canes, the sophomore corner was able to make his way back to the field on the next defensive series. Bandy was able to break up a couple of pass attempts and essentially shut down his side of the field all game. With five tackles, three PBUs and a TFL, Muddy B continues his ascension as one of the most complete corners in the country.

First Star

RB Cam’Ron Davis

After finding the endzone last week against Georgia Tech, freshman tailback Cam’ron Davis continues to make a case for more carries moving forward. Davis once again found a lane, flipping the switch on the afterburners, scampering 42 yards into the endzone. The run was Davis’ second TD in as many games. The Carol City star found the endzone once again, taking a pass in the flats 16 yards for his second score of the day. Davis finally stat line reads as 77 rushing yards, 16 receiving yards and two total touchdowns in another stellar outing.

Honorable Mentions

Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images

Let it be known: LB Shaq Quarterman was that guy this afternoon. Chasing down VT’s QB, on both sides of the line of scrimmage, helping the Hurricanes’ defense limit the Hokies to 3.6 yards per carry rushing in the game. Quarterman secured the defenses’ first turnover of the game, snatching an interception from VT QB Ryan Willis, returning the ball within the Hokies’ five-yard line. Miami’s middle linebacker walked away with five tackles and 0.5 sacks after the final whistle blew. No. 55 left his imprint on everyone wearing a maroon jersey.

More targets should mean more production for the Hurricanes’ most electric wide receiver. Playcalling continues to be a contentious issue among the Canes faithful, however there’s no arguing that WR Jeff Thomas needs to get his share of looks each and every game. Thomas was determined to find his way into the endzone through all avenues. Fielding a punt near midfield, the sophomore found the corner of the Virginia Tech’s punt coverage and raced down the sideline for the score. The 51-yard punt return TD was the first return score of the East St. Louis natives collegiate career.

RB Travis Homer’s burst late in the second quarter helped set up N’Kosi Perry’s TD run to close out the first half. The West Palm native surged out of the backfield, running over and around the Hokies’ defense on his way to 75 rushing yards, adding 21 receiving yards to his total yardage.

DT Gerald Willis III has been one of the best stories on this roster, if not all of college football. Willis bypassed security and stormed his way into the VT VIP area, kicked his cleats up and dared someone to throw him out. As you can guess, that didn’t happen. G concluded the afternoon with five tackles in a game that will have him kicking his feet up on the flight back to the 305.

DE Joe Jackson made his presence felt once again for the Canes defense. The Gulliver Prep product secured his first sack in four games —sixth sack of the season. No. 99 would finish with 1.5 sacks, along with three tackles and a TFL.

Well this time around, it wasn’t a game winner, but WR Darrell Langham once agains showcased his ability to come through in the clutch. With an incredible one-handed grab, the senior receiver corralled the reception to catch Miami’s first passing TD in two games. Big No. 81 now has three TD receptions on the season.

With a fumble recovery, a sack and another whiteboard shoutout, S Sheldrick Redwine was once in his element Saturday. The senior safety menaced the Hokies offense for a majority of the match, delivering swift justice in the form of five tackles against the Hokies.

IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE U!