PLAYERS TO WATCH
–HB Olamide Zaccheaus is the only active player in the country with at least 2,000 career receiving yards and 450 career rushing yards. Zaccheaus will be tested by a speedy Miami secondary and will need to get the ball in space and use his own speed to continue a hot start to his season.
–DB Brenton Nelson was limited with a lower body injury in Virginia’s loss two weeks ago against N.C. State but looks to be back and healthy. Nelson’s sophomore season got off to a good start but has slowed recently. Nelson, a Miami native, will be going against his hometown team and will be looking to get back into the form he had last season that produced four interceptions.
–DL Mandy Alonso, also a Miami native, has proven to be a fixture on Virginia’s defensive front so far this season with his ability to pressure the opposing quarterback. While Alonso only has one sack so far this season, he has shown his speed and strength can disrupt an offensive line and he will need to continue the same against a Miami team that features two capable quarterbacks.
SERIES HISTORY: Miami leads Virginia 9-6 with the Hurricanes winning at home 44-28 last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Our team is angry. Our kids know there were plays left out on the field against N.C. State. Our focus is strong and our confidence is good.” — Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall