Miami is coming off an overtime win against Virginia, and has had 12 days to rest and prepare for the Hokies. While Beamer knows how important that extra time can be -- last week Tech had 12 days to prepare for Maryland -- this isn't the first time this season Tech's opponent will be well rested coming into the game.
"It is what it is," Beamer said. "I know we've played a couple teams that have had the week off before we've played them; that's happened two or three times. It has just kind of been an unusual schedule this year."
Like Tech, Miami's offense -- ranked third in the ACC -- counts on its running attack to move the football. The Hokies' defensive line will try to neutralize the 'Canes ground game and win the line of scrimmage.
"The key is just stopping their offense of line," said junior defensive tackle Cordarrow Thompson. "Looking at film, they look pretty physical up front."
If Tech can contain running back sophomore Graig Cooper, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in three games this season, Miami will have to depend on its two dynamic passers. Freshman quarterbacks Jacory Harris and Robert Marve have shared snaps this season, but haven't been the typical dual-quarterback system many are used to seeing.
"They're both pretty similar in how they play," said senior linebacker Brett Warren. "They can both run the ball, and they are both pretty accurate passers. So I don't think you can really compare it to say, our system, with Sean and Tyrod."
Both young quarterbacks have seen early success, with Marve leading the way throwing for 920 yards with seven touchdowns through the air and rushing for two more. Though, he has also thrown 10 interceptions to Harris' three. Harris has totaled 698 yards and seven touchdowns via air while running for two more.
The scrambling ability of both quarterbacks is a major concern for Tech's defense.
"The reason we rush the passer is to try to keep them in the pocket," senior defensive end Orion Martin said. "We can't let them get outside because they are athletic and they can make plays with their feet as well as their arms."
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Dolphin Stadium, and will be televised on ESPN.
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