LEGENDARY. Steve Kim Canes Corner. The best thing that could be said about Miami’s win over Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium is that winning is better than losing. That’s about the best thing I can say about their 20-14 slog over a really bad Hokie squad on Saturday afternoon

After jumping out to a 20-0 lead, UM had to hold on to win as they were bogged down by 16 penalties and a putrid running game.

There’s still plenty of football left to be played, but quite frankly, this wont be good enough to even make a mark in the Coastal Division.

Some thoughts on this game…

– Tyler Van Dyke got off to a hot start as Miami went into a full-blown spread to begin the game. They actually ran a five-wide empty set to begin the game. It’s clear that Josh Gattis understands what works best with TVD, and for much of the first half, he looked like the quarterback that ripped through the ACC last season.

But on the down side, the lack of a real push upfront makes it a necessity for Miami to be so reliant on throwing the ball. Van Dyke threw the ball 44 times (27 completions) today for 288 yards and touchdowns. But the inability to run the ball effectively really hampers the ability to set up any play-action, or grind the clock late in games.

The Hurricanes had 22 rushing attempts for 93 yards.

For better or worse, this is what the Miami offense will be in 2022.

– Wide receiver, Colbie Young, has been a revelation that past two games. The big bodied JUCO transfer has shown the ability to make the contested catch and be physical. He had nine grabs for 61 yards and a touchdown. Young made an acrobatic one hand grab for 37 yards that set up the opening score for Miami. It’s clear that he is now a guy that Van Dyke trusts.

– The Jacurri-cat is now a thing at Miami in short yardage situations. Jacurri Brown was brought in a few times in short-yardage situations as the wildcat quarterback, and was effective in moving the chains. With Van Dyke not having the quickest of feet, and Miami’s struggles in the run game, look for this to be implemented more.

– Punter Lou Hedley should get a game ball. No, seriously, he should. His punts consistently pinned the Hokies down deep near their goal line, and the Hurricanes won the battle of field position all game. Of course, he had a plenty of opportunities this game, but that’s another story.

– Defensively Miami was solid for the most part but I think this needs to be said: moving forward Cristobal has to bring in players with a much higher football IQ. The inability to execute certain coverage’s, containing the pocket, and penalties are maddening.

The front four was effective in consistently pressuring Grant Welles, and you really saw freshman linebacker, Wesley Bissainthe flash out there. It’s clear that he has earned more snaps.

OK, so Miami finally won a game. In fact, as they went up 7-0, it was the first time they had been in the lead since Southern Miss back on September 10. Yeah, it’s been that long. Next up is Duke. And no, don’t expect a blowout win at Hard Rock.

Steve Kim Canes Corner is where Legends get midround knockout advice.