Miami’s National Championship Odds Still Listed at +12500 After D’Eriq King Transfers

• Houston QB D’Eriq King has grad transferred to Miami
• The Hurricanes’ 2021 National Championship odds remain at +12500
• Read below to see if  you should place an early bet on Miami to win a title

For the second straight year, Miami has landed a high-profile transfer at the quarterback position.

Former Houston QB D’Eriq King has reportedly transferred to Miami after appearing in four games for the Cougars last season. It’s a massive move for a Hurricanes team that struggled on offense in Manny Diaz’s first year at the helm.

Despite the addition, the Hurricanes’ CFP National Championship odds have remained at +12500. Is Miami worth a wager to win a title next season?

2021 National Championship Odds

Odds taken Jan. 19.

New King in Miami

Miami landing D’Eriq King is a huge boost to its program. The former Houston QB started the Cougars’ first four games of the 2019 season before announcing in late September he was redshirting his senior season to preserve his final year of eligibility.

Can report former #Houston QB D’eriq King has told Miami coaches he has chosen UM and will begin classes Tuesday pic.twitter.com/B70qzOAUTO

— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) January 19, 2020

King went off for 2,982 passing yards and 36 touchdowns with just six interceptions, to go with 674 rushing yards and 14 TDs in 11 games for Houston in 2018. He’s earned rave reviews from scouts for his strong running ability, mobility, accuracy and ability to navigate the pocket.

Adding a dual-threat QB of King’s nature is a massive get for a Hurricanes team that finished 90th in the NCAA this season in scoring offense (25.7 PPG). He’s a big upgrade over 2019 QB Jarren Williams and Tate Martell, the latter who may transfer again or get moved to receiver.

Miami’s Issues Run Deeper

As big as the addition of King is to the program, I’m not sold on this sole move being enough to transform them into a contender. Miami finished with just six wins in Manny Diaz’s first season as head coach and were plagued by issues in a variety of areas.

The Hurricanes’ offensive line has been a weakness in recent years and it’s unclear how much it will improve in 2020. The recent hiring of UNLV’s Garin Justice as the new OL coach is a promising step, but the Hurricanes need to add some experience at center. Miami allowed 47 sacks in 2019 and finished dead-last in the FBS when it came down to third-down conversion percentage (25.7%).

Miami’s lack of a run game is also concerning. Miami averaged just over 118 rushing yards per game this season and don’t have that elite game-breaking talent at the running back position. Even if King balls out and new offensive coach Rhett Lashlee has Miami continue to rely heavily on the passing game, the Hurricanes’ current group of receivers leaves lots to be desired.

Clemson Owns the ACC

Betting on Miami to win a championship means you’re likely betting on them winning their division and beating Clemson in the ACC Title game. The Tigers have lost just once in their last 30 games and are going to be very hard to beat in 2020 with experienced QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne returning to the team.

Matthew 16:26 “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/r6ZifftnmM

— Travis Etienne Jr⁶? (@swaggy_t1) January 17, 2020

UNC is an ACC Coastal team I expect to take a big step forward in 2020. QB Sam Howell is coming off one of the best freshman seasons in CFB history and he’s going to have better weapons to work with on offense than King will. If you’re going to bet on a team other than Clemson to win the ACC, I’d go with the Tar Heels (+10000) over the Hurricanes.

Verdict

The arrival of D’Eriq King and the hiring of Rhett Lashlee are proming moves, but Miami still has plenty of weakness in other areas.

The Hurricanes have a good enough defense and relatively easy schedule that they should improve with King at QB in 2020. Given that oddsmakers don’t appear to be huge on the Hurricanes, the better value might come when the team’s expected win total for 2020 is released by sportsbooks.

Even at these crazy longshot odds, getting King doesn’t make Miami a smart bet to overtake Clemson in the ACC and win a championship in 2021.