Miami (6-4) at Virginia (4-6) Nov. 22, 7:00, ESPN2 

Here’s The Deal: What’s left in the tank, Miami? The Hurricanes gave it everything last week versus Florida State, yet wound up squandering a 16-point lead and losing late. Now, they’ve got to hit the road, where they’ll battle an emotional letdown, unseasonably cool weather and a Virginia team fighting to remain alive in the postseason chase. The Cavaliers emerge from a bye week with a simple reality: If they can’t answer a current four-game losing skid with wins over Miami and Virginia Tech, hopes for a bowl game and the return of head coach Mike London will evaporate simultaneously. 
Why Miami Might Win: The Canes are playing better, and they’ve got the better overall roster of talent. Prior to nearly ending Florida State’s 25-game winning streak, Miami had romped to three straight wins by at least three touchdowns. It harbors far better weapons, such as RB Duke Johnson and QB Brad Kaaya, than Virginia, and its defense has quietly ascended to No. 12 nationally in yards per play allowed. The Cavs’ generic offense will sputter in the face of LB Denzel Perryman and the rest of the improved Miami defense. 
Why Virginia Might Win: The ‘Hoos are catching the Canes at an ideal, beaten up and still dwelling on what might have been. Virginia, on the other hand, is rested and focused on the task at hand. An extra week to prepare afforded the talented defense the time it needed to regroup and recharge. The D has endured consecutive rocky games, but this is still the auspicious group loaded with playmakers, such as DE Eli Harold, linebackers Max Valles and Henry Coley and safeties Anthony Harris and Quin Blanding. 
Who To Watch Out For: Virginia lists two quarterbacks, Matt Johns and Greyson Lambert, on the depth chart, indicative of its ongoing uncertainty at the position. The Cavs will need one of its two sophomores to solve a Miami secondary that’s allowed more than one touchdown pass in only three games. CB Artie Burns and S Deon Bush, who injured his hammy last week, have been particularly sound on the back end for the Canes this season.
What’s Going To Happen: Where’s Miami’s head for this week’s game? The Hurricanes are clearly the better overall team, but if they’re focus is elsewhere, Virginia will seize the opportunity. Miami will start slow, get an earful from Al Golden at halftime and ride Johnson’s back over the final two quarters to get out of Charlottesville with a hard-fought win. 
Prediction: Miami 28 … Virginia 24 
Line: Miami -6 o/u: 49.5 
Must Watch Factor: 5: HBO’s State of Play – 1: Euros of Hollywood … 2.5