The University of Miami, already reeling from a sudden drop from the polls, may be without its defensive line Saturday against Virginia Tech.
Coach Mark Richt already has declared that defensive end Demetrious Jackson and tackle Gerald Willis will miss this week’s game against the Hokies. Defensive end Chad Thomas is questionable with an injury.
That leaves the Canes with backups Joe Jackson and Trent Harris.
“Sometimes guys are banged up,” Richt said. “If a guy feels good enough the day before the game, moves around, gets the OK from the doctor … and is up to speed I would let a guy play.”
It had appeared the Miami might have an edge. Virginia Tech is only 51st in tackles for loss allowed. Without much of its line, part of the challenge for UM will be to put pressure on the quarterback.
“It’s been an unusual year, no doubt, with guys being in and out of the lineup,” defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said. “But we’ll see. We’ll have 11 [players] the first play of the game Thursday night.”
