Miami Hurricanes Week 13 Preview: Virginia Tech Hokies

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Miami, Florida – The Miami Hurricanes took care of business, dominating NC State to keep their CFP hopes alive as they now prepare for Virginia Tech. Miami has wrapped up its home schedule, moving up two spots to No. 13 in the latest CFP rankings. A hostile crowd and cold weather await the Cardiac Canes as they go to Blacksburg. UM flies in 8-2 (4-2, ACC), looking to make it three in a row with two games to go. The Hokies, meanwhile, have lost two straight, their latest being a 34-14 defeat to FSU, and are 3-7 overall, with a 2-4 conference record.  These are the same guys who squeaked past NC State 23-21, who defeated Virginia and Georgia Tech in turn. Funny how college football is sometimes. The good news for Virginia Tech is that they just landed a huge hire with former Penn State coach James Franklin.

✨𝐌𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐈 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂✨

Cam Ward and the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes score on its final drive to secure the win over Virginia Tech 38-34@CanesFootball | @MiamiHurricanes | @cpisecurity | #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/NfSpRaQ8l5

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 28, 2024

The Canes have won the last four meetings, including last year’s dicey 38-34 victory that came down to a call in the endzone. Before the 2025 campaign started, I had the Canes finishing 10-2, losing at Virginia Tech. Considering the Hokies are a shell of themselves (for now) and the high-stakes nature of the matchup, the circumstances have changed. The U is a heavy favorite for a reason, and the Hurricanes will need to win with style once more.

Virginia Tech

Kyron Drones

POINTS IN THE BANK: First TD of the game goes to KYRON DRONES ‼️#ThisIsHome | Brought to you by @carter_bank pic.twitter.com/hP64lJ1b78

— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) November 16, 2025

Does the name look familiar? That’s because it is. Kyron Drones gave Miami a run for its money last year, throwing for 189 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick. Back then, Kyron was a big part of the preseason Heisman conversation. Times changed. Drones totaled 1,717 yards, 16 TDs, and seven picks for 2025 in addition to nine rushing touchdowns, and you can bet the Houston, Texas native has revenge on his mind. His last game was a sloppy one, completing less than half his passes for 115 yards and an interception in the loss to Clemson.

Marcellous Hawkins

I'll be keeping an eye on Virginia Tech RB Marcellous Hawkins going forward. 5'11"/219, transfer from Central Missouri, had his first 20+ carry game last week (21/167). Very creative for a back of his size pic.twitter.com/4l1PIaYxDP

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) October 28, 2025

The top running back (after Drones) at Virginia Tech, Marcellous Hawkins, has accumulated 677 yards on 110 carries, seeing the end zone once. Hawkins also has a reception score that came against the Wolfpack. He has hit the centennial mark twice this season, the latest at FSU, racking up 101 yards. Paired with Drones, the Hokies’ ground game can become a nuisance versus Miami.

Ayden Green

TD FOR AG 🤩#ThisIsHome pic.twitter.com/HLKLe2ikcE

— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) November 16, 2025

Since we discussed the passing attack and ground game, Virginia Tech has a 6’2 wide receiver by the name of Ayden Green. The junior has recorded 26 receptions for 421 yards and three TDs, averaging 16.2 yards per catch. Green’s explosive ability is something the Hurricanes need to watch for. He only caught two passes against FSU, but Ayden made it count with one of them being a 31-yard touchdown.

Miami Hurricanes

Mark Fletcher Jr.

Mark Fletcher Jr 🔥🔥🔥🔥 #GoCanes #TheU 🙌🟧🟩 pic.twitter.com/ntwaDEgGPM

— CB (@ChalupaBatmaan) October 6, 2023

UM’s RB1 is expected to return this week, although a question has been raised. Will the Hurricanes make him the starter, or will they ride with Girard Pringle Jr? Fletcher has missed the last two games while Pringle ran wild on NC State, churning out 116 yards. As a data point, VT’s rushing defense ranks 85th in the country, surrendering 156 yards per game. Fletcher is a powerful runner, so he’ll likely be used as a change of pace if he doesn’t get the nod.

Akheem Mesidor

Akheem Mesidor might be one of the most underrated prospects in the NFL Draft

🎥 via @hailmarysportss

pic.twitter.com/4ucLeZ8DnD

— TWSN (@TWSN___) November 18, 2025

The veteran edge rusher is going to be a nightmare for Virginia Tech. Considered the No. 2 defensive end prospect behind teammate Rueben Bain Jr., at least to Mel Kiper, Akheem Mesidor has 39 tackles, complemented by a team-leading six sacks and two forced fumbles. I’m feeling bullish, I think Mesidor will log in a pair of sacks against Kyron Drones. He’ll be a big piece in dominating the Hokies.

Malachi Toney

ACC Rookie of the Week! 🙌@MALACHITONEY2 | @ACCFootball pic.twitter.com/8ccC9hdHpn

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) November 17, 2025

He can do it all. In a scenario where the Miami Hurricanes need an explosive play, they can turn to either Jojo Trader or go with the reliable Malachi Toney. The true freshman has racked up 59 catches for 698 yards and five TDs thus far, and this isn’t counting his trick plays or punt returns. Toney serves as a safety net for Carson Beck, with an impressive synergy that has been on display for much of the season. Virginia Tech isn’t as bad as NC State against the pass, but Malachi should torch them.

Prediction

Thank god the game is at noon. Regardless of the time, the Miami Hurricanes must dominate. NC State’s offense was potent, and UM kept it in check all day. The same should happen here. The U will continue its quest for a CFP spot and show the committee it deserves to be in. Final score: 38-10 in favor of the Canes.

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