ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Here's a quick breakdown of what we've seen so far in Lane Stadium (which has been all Virginia Tech):

Stat of the half: Miami has just 54 yards of total offense. That's an incredible job by Virginia Tech's defense. Miami came into this game No. 1 in the ACC, averaging 465 yards per game. It's an entirely different defense than what we've seen the first few weeks, and that's a credit to Bud Foster for getting these guys prepared. It's not the chess match with offensive coordinator Mark Whipple that I thought it would be. It's been check mate the whole first half, as the Hokies have had Miami cornered.

Best player in the half: Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor. This is what happens when Taylor is given the green light to run -- it ignites the entire offense. Not only has Taylor rushed for 56 yards on seven carries, but he's also made big plays in the passing game. He's completed 3 of 5 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. This is how it should be -- build around his strength, and then on the few times he does throw the ball, be efficient at it. He passed Michael Vick in career rushing yards. Who's knocking Bryan Stinespring now?

What Miami needs to do: Run the ball and keep the pressure off of Jacory Harris. The Canes are losing the battle up front. They've also got to get the defense off the field.