On paper, Miami matched up well with the Jackets. At 4-5, both teams had the same record heading into the game.
Miami starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was ruled out following a shoulder injury suffered Nov. 5 against Florida State, so freshman quarterback Jacurri Brown, a first-time starter, got the nod to face a Tech team coming off a big win. In their comeback victory against Virginia Tech, the Jackets showed poise, freshman quarterback Zach Pyron helmed a fairly explosive offense and the defense forced takeaways in critical moments. Conversely, the Hurricanes were nursing a blowout loss to FSU where they looked like the team that lost to Middle Tennessee earlier this season.