Miami football begins much-anticipated D’Eriq King era vs. UAB

Miami football looks to ride offseason momentum to a season opening win over a tough UAB team. Here’s everything you need to know.

Miami fans have not been this anxious for a season to begin in quite some time. Last season was one of the worst in program history due to a horrible offense and some shocking losses and Miami football fans everywhere hope that they can put last season behind them with a big win on Thursday night.

Head coach Manny Diaz is hoping that a culture change in the program and adding some more key players through the transfer portal will get his team back to contending for a spot in the ACC championship game.

Miami did not get the production they wanted from their big time transfers last year and are hoping that Houston transfer D’Eriq King can give them that dynamic threat that they have been sorely lacking at the position for years.

On the defensive side of the ball, Temple transfer and reigning AAC defensive player of the year Quincy Roche is another big edition and I would not be surprised to see him log double digit sacks this season. Diaz is hoping that these two guys can bring leadership to a team that did not appear to have much at all last season. The biggest addition to the team might be new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. Hurricane fans have been pining for a spread offense and Lashlee ran one of the best in the country at SMU last season.

On the opposite side of the field will be the UAB Blazers, who have already played in a game this season, beating Central Arkansas 45-35. UAB has been one of the best stories these past couple of seasons since their football program was brought back and it is a wonder that head coach Bill Clark has not been hired away to another job yet.

The Blazers have been one of the best defenses in the country these past few seasons and are one of the favorites in the C-USA this season. Quarterback Tyler Johnston III has talent, but also turns the ball over at a high rate, so that will be something to watch against what will be an opportunistic Miami defense.

Here is how you can watch Thursday night’s matchup between the Hurricanes and the Blazers.

Date: Sept. 10
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Miami Gardens, Fla.
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
TV: ACC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

For Miami, I think this game rests on the offensive line. The Hurricanes have struggled up front for a few years now and UAB has a really good defensive line and can get pressure with guys like Kristopher Moll and Jordan Miller, who had 19 sacks combined last season. If the Canes can protect King, I think that he will make plays through the air and with his feet. Miami has speed on the outside as well and more athletes that UAB and you will see Miami take a lot of shots down the field to get the Blazers down early.

Miami’s defense will try and pressure Johnston to make mistakes and give the Canes extra possessions and if UAB’s offensive line can’t hold up, it is gonna be a long night for UAB.

For UAB to win this game, they will have to win the turnover battle and time of possession. Johnston has to take care of the football for UAB to even have a chance in this game. The defense will have to live in the Miami backfield and cause negative plays to get Miami to third-and-long and force the offense to punt.

The run game is going to have to be strong and if there is a weakness on the Miami defense, it is at the linebacker position with Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney gone, so expect the Blazers offense to attack these linebackers in the running game.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of The Action Network

Point Spread: Miami -14.5
Over/Under: 55

Prediction

UAB has a really tough team this season and I think that they will be contenders in the C-USA, but I think that Miami is motivated to show that they are for real and that last season is behind them. I expect the game to be sloppy for the Canes early because they have not had any game action like UAB has, but Miami just has too much speed and athleticism for the Blazers to keep up.

Expect a big debut for King and for Miami’s defense to put pressure on UAB and force a few turnovers as well. Miami will win outright and cover the spread as well.

Final Score: Miami 42, UAB 17