Collegiate Times

Ryan Williams runs the ball against UNC on Saturday Nov. 13.

Virginia Tech heads to Coral Gables Saturday with an opportunity to wrap up the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division against the Miami Hurricanes.

Miami (7-3, 5-2), will start true freshman Stephen Morris at quarterback, his third straight start because of injury to Jacory Harris.

Harris, who sustained a concussion in Miami’s game against Virginia, was hyped up to be the next great thing at “The U.” Harris has failed to deliver results thus far in his college career.

Morris, a three-star recruit out of Miami Shores, Fla., planned on redshirting this season behind Harris. When Harris went down in the UVa game, with Miami still having Orange Bowl dreams, Morris was inserted into the game and nearly delivered a dramatic comeback win.

“The younger quarterback, he’s not as far along in the offense as Jacory,” said Rashad Carmichael, Tech cornerback. “So I don’t think Miami’s going to give him as much leeway as they would Jacory.”

Tech, which is tied for second in the nation with 16 interceptions, will look to bait Morris into turning the ball over, something every young quarterback is prone to doing. Cornerbacks Carmichael and Jayron Hosley have a combined 11 interceptions through 10 games, with Hosley tied for the nation’s lead with seven.

Morris will have a lot of help on the outside, as he has senior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson to throw the ball to. Hankerson has caught a pass in 23 straight games and leads the Hurricanes in catches (51), yards (879) and touchdowns (11) through 10 games.

Hankerson, a 6-foot-3-inch, 205-pound target out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has shot up the Miami all-time receiving list this season. He trails only NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin and Miami legend Lamar Thomas on the all-time receiving touchdown list at Miami.

Miami, known for its star receivers, currently has eight alumni in the Top 100 in receiving yards this season in the NFL. Reggie Wayne (third), Andre Johnson (eighth) and Santana Moss (10th) highlight that group.

Morris should have plenty of time to find Hankerson downfield, as Miami boasts some of the country’s largest offensive tackles. Orlando Franklin (6 feet 7 inches, 312 pounds) and Seantrel Henderson (6 feet 8 inches, 355 pounds) will protect Morris when he drops back to pass, and pave the way for the rushing attack.

Miami has several talented running backs in Damien Berry (763 yards), Lamar Miller (462 yards) and Mike James (354 yards). All three average at least 4.9 yards per carry.

“I don’t think there’s any question that you put the priority on stopping the running game,” said Frank Beamer, Hokies head coach.

Miami coach Randy Shannon, subject of much criticism this season, is worried about the Hokies running backs, as well as quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

“They have great athletes around Tyrod, that’s why you can’t take Tyrod out of this football game,” Shannon said. “Their running backs are really good runners.”

While Miami might not be the national title contender fans want it to be, the Hurricanes are having no trouble recruiting. Even with the uncertain future of Shannon, Miami has the No. 23-ranked recruiting class according to ESPN.com, including three ESPNU 150 commitments.

Teddy Bridgewater, the star quarterback of Miami Northwestern High School, highlights the 2011 class. A dual-threat quarterback, Bridgewater will stay at home in Miami, looking to bring prominence back to “The U.”

With the Hokies traveling to Coral Gables Saturday, it reminds them of the 2008 matchup, a 16-14 Hurricanes win.

“Losing down there was a bad feeling,” Taylor said. “It was a tough loss.”

While Miami might not be on top this year, the game will always have an added element for the Hokies.

“It’s just the tradition,” Carmichael said. “Everybody used to watch (Miami), and we know what they’re capable of doing.”

Taylor touched on Miami’s history as well.

“It’s the tradition,” Taylor said. “Every year, the media wants to see Miami and Florida State in the ACC Championship. They have a lot of tradition and a great program.”

The Hokies square off against the Hurricanes Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

A version of this article appeared in the Nov 18 issue of the Collegiate Times.