College Football Betting Trends: Miami Hurricanes vs North Carolina Tar Heels

Hurricanes (7-2 SU, 5-3 ATS) at Tar Heels (6-3 SU, 4-3 ATS)

Saturday, November 7: 3:30 p.m.

BetUS.com NCAAF Betting Odds: Miami -3

Here are some College Football Betting Trends which may impact this game:

• Miami: 8-4 ATS in their last 12 road games
• Miami: 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against North Carolina
• Miami: The total has gone OVER in 4 of their past 5 games against North Carolina
• North Carolina: 11-5 SU in their last 16 home games
• North Carolina: 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against Miami
• North Carolina: 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games

If the North Carolina Tar Heels for the first time since 2006 on Saturday afternoon.
The Tar Heels are led by former Miami head coach Butch Davis, now in his fourth season at the school. Davis has gotten them playing back to respectability, as they are looking to go to their second straight bowl game.

For North Carolina to have success Saturday, they’ll have to rely on their always stout defense. On the season, the group has been phenomenal, as they are not only one of the best units in the ACC, but in all of college football. Currently, they allow just 15 points per game, which is good for 11th in all of college football. They also are top five in college football in both total defense, and passing defense as well. Offensively, the Tar Heels have struggled all season long, no one more so than quarterback T.J. Yates. On the year, Yates has thrown just nine touchdowns to 10 interceptions, and has completed just 59 percent of his passes.

As for North Carolina’s opponents Saturday, Miami might be officially “back.” After struggling two weeks ago and almost losing to Wake Forest, the Hurricanes routed Virginia at home a week later. They are led by do-it-all quarterback Jacory Harris, who has thrown for 2300 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. Last week Miami’s rushing game was reestablished as well, thanks to a big day from junior back Graig Cooper. Cooper had his first 100-yard rushing performance of 2010, in the victory over the Cavaliers.

Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, Miami hasn’t been phenomenal, but good enough to notch wins. They are currently ranked 30th in college football in total yardage, allowing just 327 yards per contest and also are ranked 43rd in passing defense and 45th in rushing defense.

The biggest key to this game may have actually come off the newswire Monday, when it was reported that North Carolina’s leading rusher, Shaun Draughn will not only sit out this game, but the rest of the year with a shoulder injury. By default that will likely make North Carolina’s offense one dimensional and put a lot of pressure on T.J. Yates’ shoulders.

If you’re expecting a high scoring affair in this one, go watch another game. North Carolina barely gives up any points, and doesn’t score many either. However, with the news that Draughn will be out for the rest of the season, things are not looking good for the Tar Heels.

Jacory Harris and the Miami offense should do enough to cover this week’s college football betting odds.

Aaron’s Pick: Miami -3