A season that started with so much promise now stands at a crossroads.
The Hurricanes, who two weeks ago were ranked No. 10 in the nation after opening the year with four wins, entered their Thursday night game at Virginia Tech struggling and depleted by injuries.
They left Blacksburg in more pain than when they arrived, reeling after a 37-16 loss to the Hokies that capped a brutal 12-day stretch. During that time, Miami lost three games to conference opponents and saw some ugly preseason realities brought back to the forefront.
Entering the year, the Hurricanes (4-3, 1-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) faced questions about their lack of depth and wondered if their offensive line — one of the most inexperienced in the ACC a season ago — could be effective.