Can the Miami Hurricanes be getting a run of good fortune that dares to be mentioned? First it was Chris Weinke who had foot problems and was questionable in the Mimai-Florida State game. Although Weinke played, he didn't get loose until the second half -- and the Canes had taken control of the game by then. Now it is Virginia Tech week and Michael Vick's sprained ankle makes him more questionable than Weinke was. Vick's injury looms larger because the Hokies rely on him for almost all of their offensive production. Deja vu anyone?

These are the very biggest Big East powers at their best. They feature great defenses, outstanding special teams play, exciting quarterbacks with contrasting but effective styles and surrounding casts who rise to the occasion for big games. This game may come down to what kind of effort Virginia Tech can muster without their sensational Heisman Trophy candidate. Can they possibly win without Vick? The drama will be palpable until the game starts. It will not take long to judge the effect of the absence or limited capacity of Vick in this marquee matchup.

If the Hurricanes win with Vick not playing, they will not make up any ground in the BCS standings. The pollsters and computers took care of that this week by moving Florida State ahead of them despite their earlier victory. As I mentioned earlier this season, only Florida State and Nebraska have the luxury of playing double eIimination for the BCS (they could absorb one loss). Only a sizeable and convincing trouncing of Virginia Tech will persuade some observers to move Miami higher in the ratings. On the other hand, if Virginia Tech handles Miami without Michael Vick, they will get bonus points from the pollsters.

No. 2 Virginia Tech

Game Plan: No. 2 Virginia Tech

Offense: Put a chip on your shoulder and get tough. Dominate the line of scrimmage, running and passing. No turnovers. Defense: No big passing plays. Destroy pass timing with great pass rush. Punish receivers when they catch ball. Force at least three turnovers. Kicking: Punt return for big play -- touchdown or field position. No mistakes with protection. Set tempo of game in this area. Players: Get ready to hit someone -- hard. No excuses for this game. Never give up. Coaches: Have high level of enthusiasm -- be cheerleaders. Stick to game plan in second half. Take points every time in scoring zone.

Even Frank Beamer will admit that this team begins and ends with Michael Vick -- he is their heartbeat. The Hokies are the leading rushing team in the Big East thanks to Vick's acrobatic scrambles and leaping touchdowns that leave defenders stunned. That threat opens the doors for everyone else to complement the offense. To be sure, there are other talented players on this unit, but none like this special quarterback. Without a serious running threat under center, the burden will fall on the offensive line to pound away at the Canes in hope of controlling the clock.

Vick had some games that were not as spectacular as everyone had come to expect -- such is the burden of the Heisman Trophy favorite. His passing has been sporadic with a higher percentage of interceptions than last year. However, the most glaring statistic is the 23 sacks given up by the Hokies. Only Pittsburgh has given up more. If Vick is able to play he definitely will not be able to avoid the ferocious pass rush the Canes are expected to unleash this Saturday.

Virginia Tech's passing game is built on big plays when defenses are guarding against the run. Vick's passing percentage is slighlly above 50 percent this season and his average per attempt is only 7.5 yards -- well below his staggering figures in 1999. Without Marvelous Michael, the Hokies will turn to fifth-year senior Dave Meyer who led them back from potential disaster last week against Pittsburgh. Beware of those quarterbacks who have been waiting for their turn to become the campus hero.

The Hokies can certainly be counted on to play great defense. Frank Beamer and his coaches will need their finest game plan this week with every wrinkle imaginable to confuse quarterback Ken Dorsey. Having played against them in big games, I would look for some new blitzes and a definite emphasis on creating as many turnovers as possible. Their scheme puts some defenders alone in man coverage, but they have to accept the challenge and make some plays.

Expect a stellar performance from the special teams this week. The Hokies will play to their strengths. They will rush the punter with total pressure, but this is a game to have the best punt return ready as well.

No. 3 Miami

Game Plan: No. 3 Miami

Offense: Get points on the board fast -- make Tech catch up. Maximum protection for Dorsey if Tech blitzes. Need 150+ yards rushing. Defense: Get control of this game early -- force three-and-out 50 percent or more. Use a staggered pass rush to contain the quarterback. Commit 8-9 men to the run on early downs. Kicking: Perfect punt protection -- then cover. Use overload punt rush on right side of punter. Cover the eligibles on punt rush -- no big plays. Players: No letdown if Vick is out of game. Play for the entire sixty minutes. Take charge in the third quarter with adjustments. Coaches: Keep the team quiet and out of reach on Friday night. Get the ball in hands of the key players early and often. Keep team focused if you get an early lead.

After an early season loss at Washington, the Hurricanes have looked more and more like the team to beat in the Big East. When they defeated Florida State a month ago, they took on the appearance of a national title contender. Much of the credit goes to young quarterback Ken Dorsey. His fourth quarter performance against the Seminoles saved their season. He battled Chris Weinke pass for pass and came up with the decisive TD strike to put the game away. It is a good thing Dorsey has been so consistent -- their running game has not lived up to advance billing. By moving Najeh Davenport to fullback, the Canes have given him more of an all-purpose role in the offense. Davenport's size allows him to be an effective blocker, and his soft hands make him a prime target out of the backfield. The slick touchdown pass he caught against an unsuspecting Seminole defense shows he's a threat.

Butch Davis takes pride in not allowing an opposing rusher to gain 100 yards against his team. Miami has always stressed defense -- this year is no different. The FSU game showed their overall excellence in stopping both the run and the pass. Although Weinke had lots of yards passing in the second half, he was not able to break the back of the Canes defense. Key interceptions inside the scoring zone displayed the ball-hawking ability of this talented and tough hitting secondary. If Virginia Tech is looking for an easy throw against this bunch, they will not find it.

An injured quarterback is like wounded prey, and an inexperienced one is like a young cub away from the pack. There will be plenty of predators in the Canes' front seven ready to either contain Michael Vick or destroy Dave Meyer. Regardless of who plays quarterback, he'd better be ready with his pass reads and get rid of the ball quickly. The defensive unit should take control of this game.

Butch Davis is another special teams maven -- isn't everyone in the Big East? Miami blends the same schemes as Virginia Tech with great team speed and smart players who look for opportunities to make key plays. The battle of the special teams will be pivotal to the outcome.