Week 2 of the college football season gets started Thursday, September 10, 2020, when the UAB Blazers (1-0) visit the Miami Hurricanes (0-0) at Hard Rock Stadium. UAB was picked to finish in fourth place of the Conference USA West division, though they did receive two first place votes, while Miami was predicted to be the sixth best team in the ACC this season. This game will air live on the ACC Network at 8:00 p.m. EST.
UAB had a successful 2019 season as the Blazers won the Conference USA West title, but they did get crushed in the conference championship game, to Florida Atlantic, and in the New Orleans Bowl, to Appalachian State. Overall, UAB finished 9-5 with a nice win over Louisiana Tech.
Miami suffered through a rough first season for head coach Manny Diaz as the Hurricanes finished 6-7 overall, third in the ACC Coastal division, and a shutout loss in the Independence Bowl against Louisiana Tech. Miami did have an impressive win over #20 Virginia, but had shocking losses to Georgia Tech and Florida International.
Below is my pick for UAB at Miami Florida. All lines are from the BetMGM Sportsbook.
UAB Blazers at Miami Hurricanes (-13.5): O/U 51.5 (-112/-108)
UAB got the FBS season started with a 45-35 win over Central Arkansas on September 3rd. Besides for the third quarter, that saw UAB win the quarter 3-0, there was plenty of scoring in this one as UAB took a 14-7 lead into the second quarter. Each team put up 14 points in the second quarter and the fourth quarter to see this one end 45-35. UAB had three different running backs score a touchdown and two different quarterbacks throw for at least one touchdown. The home win for the Blazers set a Conference USA record with 19 straight home victories.
The Miami Hurricanes return some key offensive players, plus bring in a star transfer QB, so they should be much better on the offensive side of the ball. QB D’Eriq King transferred from the Houston Cougars and will look to lead an offense with TE Brevin Jordan, RB Cam’Ron Harris, and WR Mike Harley. Miami returns some key players on defense, as well, but were delivered a blow when future first round pick Gregory Rousseau opted out of the season. The defense will be led by DE Quincy Roche and a loaded secondary featuring safety Gurvan Hall and CB DJ Ivey.
Series History: This will be the first meeting between these two schools.
Football Picks: I like the Miami Hurricanes -13.5 on Thursday night.
2019 CFB Picks Results: 94-73-2