Let's face it: nobody knows how this game is going to turn out, in much the same way that we had very little idea what was going to happen at Clemson last week (and look how that ended up).

All week long, I have read the analyses, heard the radio commentary, researched the ‘Canes, and listened to the comments of fans of both teams, and I'm still no closer to figuring out who's going to win.

But I can tell you one thing: this one's going to be a war. On one side, you have a motivated, totally focused, out-to-prove-something Hokie team, and on the other side, you've got a revenge-minded, totally focused, out-to-prove-something Miami team.

I'm more excited about this game than I have been about any game since last year's WVU game (here's hoping this one comes out much better).  My mental state reminds me of the week before the Miami game of 1996, when I had the same butterflies and couldn't wait until Saturday.

And although I've got a prediction, I thought I would break down the game by telling you what each team has going for it that could help it win. In so doing, I'll be pointing out the weaknesses of both teams, as well.

How the ‘Canes could win

Although the ‘Canes will probably do a better job of running on the Hokies than Clemson or ECU did, I don't think they'll trample us with their ground game. Tech's speedy defense pursues better down the line than they did last year, and with Ike Charlton proving to be a physical run-stopper at cornerback, most teams will have great difficulty running on us to the outside, no matter how fast their backs are (and Miami has some fast ones, particularly James Jackson).

Miami has a big, bruising fullback, so they might have some success running between the tackles, but not much. I'll be totally shocked if their running game gains 150 yards or more on Tech.

The ‘Canes young, thin offensive line will also have great difficulty stopping the Hokie pass rush, so if Miami wants to score, they will do it by popping quick-hitting passes to their speedy, talented receivers and letting them run with it. The Tech DB's have not been severely tested yet, and they haven't looked like world-beaters, so Miami may have some success here.

Look also for the Hurricanes to throw to their gifted tight ends and their big fullback out of the backfield, as they have done in the past.

In short, if the ‘Canes want to move the ball, they'll mix up the run with the short passing game. They may occasionally go deep to their primary receivers, Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne, but I don't think they'll live on the deep ball.

A word of warning: just because ‘Cane quarterback Scott Covington is in his first year as a starter, don't underestimate him. He's a senior, and a senior who is starting for the first time is a much better quarterback than a freshman or a sophomore who is starting for the first time. In 1994, Syracuse started senior Marvin Graves for the first time, and he turned out to be a pretty darn good quarterback.

The ‘Canes also have terrific kick- and punt-blocking capability, which they may capitalize on for a cheap score.

On defense, Miami can stop the Hokies by playing well against Tech's somewhat inexperienced offensive line, which has been inconsistent this year. Tech's offense moves the ball in fits and starts, and if the ‘Canes can mount a serious, long-term defensive effort, they can shut Tech down.

How the Hokies Could Win

Simple:  defense and the kicking game, combined with an opportunistic offense.   This is the same formula that produced victories in the ECU and Clemson games, but it has to be combined with mistake-free ball-handling, i.e., no turnovers.

Tech can win by utilizing the same game plan that doomed the Clemson Tigers. By pinning the ‘Canes deep in their own territory with Jimmy Kibble's leg, and then pressuring a young Miami offensive line with a great pass rush from the front four, the Hokies can make it nearly impossible for Miami to sustain long scoring drives.

Miami's offensive line is thin. The ‘Canes have only played 5 or 6 players on the OL in their first two games, and they start two freshmen at right guard and right tackle. The Hokies should be able to pressure Miami's quarterback without having to blitz, much the same way they did against Clemson. And we have all seen that when the front four can bring pressure, the back seven look like All-Americans.

On offense, Tech will win by running between the tackles on a Miami defensive line that the Hokies manhandled last year. The Hokies can also connect with the passing game by getting open against Miami's inconsistent defensive backs, who have not earned high marks from their fans so far this year. Ricky Hall could spring open and score a TD for the third time in three games. Tech's receivers got wide open against Clemson, so we know they can do it.

The Tech coaching staff is also on a roll, and my own personal opinion is that Frank Beamer and company totally bury Butch Davis and his staff in game preparation and game-day coaching. Watch for Frank and his assistants to out-coach Davis and his assistants before and during the game.

My Prediction

I predict that by the time the game starts on Saturday night, my stomach will be tied up in knots.

I also predict that the Hokies, although they may start off slow, will control the line of scrimmage as the game progresses. In the last three games against UM, all Tech victories, this is where Tech has always been able to get the upper hand.

This game will be an emotional dogfight, and ESPN won't be disappointed that they decided to show it. The 'Canes are vowing to turn out a decent home crowd (for once), so this should be a great showcase for improved Big East football.

In the end, the Hokies will wear the ‘Canes down and break away from them, and the final score will be 27-13, Tech.

The Hokies stand to make at least $875,000 from televised games this year, by my calculations.  Here are the payout totals for TV appearances, according to the VT Sports Information Department:

• CBS (intersectional game, non-conference) $250,00
• CBS (conference game) $200,000
• ESPN (Thursday night or Thanksgiving) $200,000
• ESPN (Saturday) $175,000
• ESPN2 (did not pay last year) $100,000
• ESPN Regional $25,000

If you assume that the ECU broadcast was ESPN regional ($25k), the Hokies also stand to make $200k from the WVU and BC games, $175k from the Miami and Virginia games, and $100k from the Pittsburgh game, for a total of $875,000.

And this doesn't include the Syracuse game, which might get picked up by ESPN or ESPN2.   The ESPN/ESPN2 TV schedule currently shows a bunch of open times on November 14th.

Mike Tranghese, the Big East's "esteemed" commissioner, has once again made himself the deserving target of scorn for Hokie fans, plus every other Big East football fan.  A month after announcing that a fourth bowl bid for the Big East was imminent, The Boston Globe reveals that Mikey is still just full of hot air and little else.   Check out their article, Big East rebuffed in this bowl bid.  Thanks for nothing, Mike.  Feel free to resign at any time, you goof.

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