The Miami Hurricanes kick off their 2020 season at home on Thursday night against the Conference USA's UAB Blazers. After an offseason of key changes, Miami aims to rebound. Written by Antwan Staley, an experienced Florida sports reporter who has covered for Bleacher Report, Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, and Pro Player Insiders.
NCAAF Week 2: UAB vs. Miami Live Coverage
Miami welcomes transfer quarterback D'Eriq King and new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee from SMU to boost an offense that ranked 98th in yards per game last year—a factor in their three-game skid to close the season.
UAB, meanwhile, opened with a 45-35 win over Central Arkansas, extending their home winning streak to 19. This marks the first-ever meeting between the teams.
Game Details:
Kickoff: Thursday, September 10, 8 p.m. ET
TV: ACC Network
Spread: Miami -13.5
UAB Offense: The Blazers rely on a strong run game (233 yards vs. Central Arkansas). All-time leading rusher Spencer Brown (3,249 career yards) faces Miami's stout defense, which ranked 17th nationally last year (114.8 rush yards allowed/game). Key losses include DE Gregory Rousseau (opted out due to COVID-19), offset by Temple transfer Quincy Roche (AAC Defensive Player of the Year: 13 sacks, 19 TFLs).
Hurricanes DC Blake Baker emphasized consistency from DTs Jon Ford and Nesta Silvera: "They showed flashes last year... The expectation is much more consistency."
WR Austin Watkins Jr. (57 rec., 1,092 yds., 6 TDs last season) adds aerial threat; he had 7 catches for 72 yards in the opener.
Miami Offense: King, who led the nation with 50 total TDs in 2018 (AAC record), thrives in Lashlee's up-tempo scheme. Replacements needed at WR (KJ Osborn, DeeJay Dallas to NFL); TE Brevin Jordan returns as a potential first-rounder, with RB Cam'ron Harris (576 rush yds. last year) leading the backfield.
UAB counters with LB Kristopher Moll (104 tackles, 9 sacks, 16 TFLs last year)—a C-USA Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Blazers ranked 8th nationally in total defense (303.5 yds./game allowed).
Final Analysis & Prediction: Miami can't sleep on UAB (9 wins last year), but should win convincingly. Central Arkansas scored 35 on UAB last week; King's dynamic play, plus Harris and Jordan, will test them. Despite losses, Miami's defense remains elite. Fireworks expected at Hard Rock Stadium, but Hurricanes prevail.
Miami 47, UAB 24
Streaming Options (ACC Network):
FuboTV: Stream ESPN+ and 100+ channels with a 7-day free trial. Watch UAB vs. Miami on the FuboTV app (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.) or website. Includes 500 hours cloud DVR and 72-hour lookback.
Sling TV (Orange): ESPN+ and 30+ channels; $20 first month promo (includes Showtime/Starz/Epix). App available on most devices; 10 hours cloud DVR.
Hulu + Live TV: ESPN+ and 65+ channels; 7-day free trial. App on Roku, Fire TV, etc.; 50 hours cloud DVR (upgradable).
YouTube TV: Comprehensive channels for $64.99/month; up to 6 household accounts.
