Despite Virginia Tech’s early-season struggles, Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal isn’t taking anything for granted as the Hurricanes prepare to kick off ACC play against the Hokies on Friday night.
Cristobal, whose No. 7 ranked Miami team is riding high after handling Florida, Florida A&M, Ball State, and South Florida, is making sure his team remains focused. While Miami has lived up to its preseason hype, Virginia Tech has had a rough start, losing to Vanderbilt and Rutgers while securing wins against Marshall and Old Dominion. Despite the Hokies’ rocky performance, Cristobal is determined to keep his squad from underestimating their opponent.
Cristobal Praises Virginia Tech Despite Struggles
With the game set for Friday night, both teams have adjusted their routines, with Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry moving his weekly media availability to Monday. Cristobal followed suit, and even though Virginia Tech’s record may not reflect a dominant team, he’s still expressing respect for the Hokies’ potential.
“Virginia Tech is extremely talented up front,” Cristobal said of their defense. “They’re powerful, explosive, and rank top 10 in sacks for a reason. They have depth and a lot of athleticism. They bring exotic pressures and are a very organized, high-pressure defense. They’re strong tacklers with a lot of speed, especially on the back end.”
When it comes to the Hokies’ offense, Cristobal remains equally cautious, acknowledging their ability to score quickly and efficiently.
“They’re a dangerous team offensively. Their quarterback is explosive, accurate, and a great leader. Up front, they’re big and physical, with a solid running game and explosive receivers. It’s going to be a great matchup.”
Miami Ready for a Challenge
Although Cristobal praises Virginia Tech’s talent, the Hokies’ offense has been inconsistent this season. Their offensive line has struggled, and injuries to key players like quarterback Kyron Drones, running back Bhayshul Tuten, and wide receiver Ali Jennings have impacted their performance.
Regardless of these issues, Cristobal isn’t letting his guard down. He understands what Virginia Tech is capable of and is preparing for the challenge they’ll bring on both sides of the ball. With ACC play starting and Miami’s ambitions high, the Hurricanes are focused on delivering a strong performance and staying sharp against a Hokies team hungry for an upset.
Leave a Reply