You can follow Cam Underwood @TheStateOfTheU on Twitter or visit his website at StateOfTheU.com.
What are your thoughts on your team so far?
It’s hard for me to feel good about this team. We’re talented, sure, but we’re not seeing the success that I think we should reasonably see in year 5 of the Al Golden regime. I like what we have at the offensive skill positions, but the offensive line needs serious improvement. The defense seems to be good on some plays and bad on others, and the defensive line leaves much to be desired. Overall, at 3-2 through 5 games, I’d say the way I feel about this team is “blah”.
What are your expectations going into the Virginia Tech game?
My expectation going into the VT game is to see a tightly contested game. Both teams are capable of winning the Coastal, and the first step towards that is a win on Saturday.
From Miami, I’d hope to see some fight. I’d hope to see some of the elite level playmaking we saw against Florida State, and improvements in the deficient areas.
From VT, I have no idea what to expect. The QB situation is unknown, and but the defensive talent is high. VT has played some good games and some bad ones, just like Miami has. I’m interested to see which version of each team shows up on Saturday afternoon.
Last year, Miami struggled after the FSU game, do you expect the Canes to bounce back better this season?
I do not expect the Canes to bounce back better than in previous years following a loss to FSU. The last 2 years after losing to the Seminoles, Miami has gone 2-8. What has demonstrably changed from years past to make me think there will be improvement to that? Nothing.
So, no, I do not expect us to be a better team after this loss. I do not expect us to win the Coastal division. I do, however, expect us to win some games as we head through the rest of October and November, but there will be plenty of losses (including at least 1 game we “should” win) between here and the end of the season.
At this point, how do you see the Coastal division shaking out?
I see Duke as the best team in the Coastal, flawed though they are, and would be shocked if they don’t win the division this year.
What is your prediction for the game?
My prediction for Saturday is Miami 27, Virginia Tech 23.
treadmillhorse 