UAB Blazers vs Miami Hurricanes Preview

New-Look Hurricanes Kick off 2020 Campaign

Coming off a disappointing 6-7 season that finished with a shutout loss to Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl, Miami hopes transfer QB D’Eriq King and a new spread system will help turn things around. The Canes’ attack could face a tough test against UAB (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS), which allowed the fewest points in Conference USA last year.

UAB Blazers vs Miami Hurricanes
  • Date/Time: September 10, 8 p.m. ET
  • Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
  • TV Coverage: ACC Network
  • Sportsbook Odds: Miami -12 | O/U 45 (Line History)
  • UAB vs Miami Matchup Report

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Early support of the Hurricanes had pushed this line up to the key number of 14 as of the time of writing. That’s a big deal, considering the ’Canes are a woeful 2-10 ATS in their last 12 as favorites of two touchdowns or more.

UAB News & Notes

The Blazers have flown under the radar as one of the better bets in college football, going 18-11 ATS in their last 29 games. QB Tyler Johnston and star wideout Austin Watkins are among 18 returning starters from last year’s UAB squad that won the Conference USA West Division title before getting blown out 49-6 by Florida Atlantic in the conference championship. The UAB defense allowed the fewest total yards and passing yards in C-USA last year, ranking eighth nationally in both categories.

UAB looked poised to cash another winning ticket for its backers in its season opener last Thursday, leading FCS opponent Central Arkansas 45-21 midway through the fourth quarter. However, the Blazers allowed a pair of touchdowns in the game’s final six minutes, allowing the Bears to steal the cover as 20.5-point underdogs.

The final score was misleading as UAB gifted Central Arkansas two touchdowns in the Sportsbook half, fumbling a punt to set up the first major and then allowing a 35-yard interception return for the other.

Miami News & Notes

After averaging just 367 yards and 26 points per game in 2019, the Hurricanes have made several much-needed changes on the offensive side of the ball. Gone is co-ordinator Dan Enos and his pro-style attack, replaced by former Southern Methodist OC Rhett Lashlee and a spread system expected to exploit the talents of star tight end Brevin Jordan and running back Cam’Ron Harris.

Miami may also have its most talented quarterback in years following D’Eriq King’s transfer from Houston, where he threw for 36 touchdowns and rushed for 14 more in 2018.

King looked extremely comfortable in Miami’s final fall scrimmage, throwing for 330 yards and six touchdowns while running nine times for 94 yards. The biggest question about the Hurricanes offense might be the play of its offensive line, which returns all the starters from the unit that allowed a whopping 51 sacks last season, the most among Power 5 squads. Miami also rushed for the fewest yards in the ACC in 2019.

Betting Pick: Blazers +14.5

Miami’s offense should be a lot better this year, but it may take a game or two to adjust to all the new changes. Meanwhile, UAB already has one game under its belt and this defense should be motivated to bring a strong performance in this prime-time spot.

Shark Bites
  • UAB is 18-11 ATS in its last 29 games overall.
  • Miami is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 September home games.
  • The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Miami’s last 20 games.
UAB is 18-11 ATS in its last 29 games.away MIA is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 home September games.home The UNDER is 13-7 in MIA’s last 20 games.home
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