25 games that will shape the 2019 College Football Playoff

Week 13: Miami at Virginia Tech

Miami surprised everyone in 2017 by going 10-1 in the regular season including upset wins over Virginia Tech and Notre Dame. They met Clemson in the ACC Championship game though and were quickly brought back down to earth with a 38-3 drubbing by the Tigers.

Coming into 2018, the Canes are a top 10 team, but one with as much doubt surrounding them as any highly ranked team in the country. Virginia Tech is a top 20 team in the preseason AP rankings but they also have questions around their team having to replace several starters on defense including two that were kicked off the team/ruled ineligible this summer. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has been in his role with the Hokies since 1995 so he’s obviously built a very strong track record of developing defenses and getting his teams ready to play even if they’re young an inexperienced.

Based on their schedules, one or both of these teams should come into this game playing with a shot at the ACC Championship game with the winner being the likely favorite going on to face Clemson in December. It should come down to Miami’s defense vs. Virginia Tech’s offense under Justin Fuente and returning starter Josh Jackson at quarterback. With the game being in Blacksburg, the Hokies have the edge as the home team but Miami probably has more talent and athleticism. I think Miami will get all they can handle but escape with a win and head to Charlotte to play for the ACC title and will hopefully give Clemson more of a game than last year.