Hurricanes, Who Are 9-5 ATS as Away Favorites Since 2015, Listed as 5-Point Favorites Over Tar Heels

*Odds taken 09/07/19

Miami Looking to Rebound

Miami is looking to get back on track after losing 24-20 to Florida in their opener in Week 0. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jarren Williams made his first career start in the game, completing 19 of 29 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. Running back DeeJay Dallas ran for 95 yards, including a 50-yard TD that had the Hurricanes up 20-17 in the fourth quarter.

DEEJAY DALLAS!@CanesFootball takes the lead in Orlando 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ntKYpnnK6R

— ESPN (@espn) August 25, 2019

With an 0-2 start staring them in the face, Miami should deliver a big performance on the road in Week 2. They are 9-5 ATS since 2015 when listed as the away favorite and will look to continue that positive trend when they face UNC at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

Miami’s defensive line is much better than what we saw in Week 0. North Carolina has a true freshman starting QB in Sam Howell and Miami will look to shut him down. Last year, Miami’s defense ranked No. 1 in the country in tackles for loss at 10.5 per game. Their group returns several three-year starters in Shaquille Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud. After a slow start in the first quarter vs. Florida, Miami’s defense showed their potential, forcing three turnovers in the remaining three quarters.

Benefit of Bye Week

Miami is going to be well-rested for this matchup after they had a bye in Week 1. The Hurricanes have had time to work on their mistakes from Week 0 and get ready for a critical trip to North Carolina in Week 2.

There are several issues the Hurricanes need to improve on in Week 2. They committed 14 penalties for 118 yards in Week 0 and Williams was sacked 10 times. Dallas showed what he’s capable of and Williams is a promising signal-caller. The extra time off will be a factor in getting the offensive line and special teams improved for Week 2.

NEW: A look in the mirror and week of fixing themselves leads Miami Hurricanes into UNC prep after bye. https://t.co/9un1xwZaxr

— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) September 1, 2019

The Hurricanes will be fresher than the Tar Heels and will benefit from having two weeks to improve their mistakes from Week 0.

UNC Beat South Carolina in Week 1

While Miami lost in Week 0, North Carolina won their first matchup of the season against South Carolina in Week 1. True freshman quarterback Sam Howell threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns, while Myles Wolfolk had two late fourth-quarter interceptions to lead UNC to a 24-20 comeback win.

It was a gruelling and emotional game for UNC, who got Mack Brown back on the sideline after a five-year hiatus. The Tar Heels forced two interceptions in the second half and North Carolina outscored South Carolina 18-7 in the second half.  UNC rushed for 238 yards in 52 carries vs. South Carolina, but it won’t be that easy against a strong Miami defensive line.

Them: “Why did Mack Brown come out of retirement?”

“Mack Brown is too old to coach!”

This, THIS IS WHY 😭😭pic.twitter.com/DQPLGM6NJG

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) August 31, 2019

North Carolina unleashed the offense in the fourth quarter, but the Tar Heels had scored just three field goals in the first three quarters. Miami’s front seven is one of their strongest assets, and it gives them the edge over North Carolina in this matchup.

Verdict

I like Miami’s chances of bouncing back in Week 2. They had their way with the Tar Heels last season, beating them 47-10, and will be well-rested and motivated this time around.

The atmosphere in North Carolina will be electric, but the well-rested Hurricanes will  feed off the early energy and continue their history of winning games ATS as the away favorite.

Look for Miami’s defense to shutdown the true freshman Howell, while Williams delivers some big-time passes and Dallas runs for some impressive yards.

Pick: Miami FL (-5)