North Carolina vs Miami Prediction

What: North Carolina vs Miami
When: Saturday, October 8th at 4 PM ET, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida
How to watch: ESPN2

Saturday, October 8th brings an intriguing ACC matchup in online college football betting as the North Carolina Tar Heels visit the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. The kick-off is scheduled for 4 PM ET. UNC is coming off a 41-10 thrashing of Virginia Tech in Week 5 behind quarterback Drake Maye, improving to 4-1. As for the Hurricanes, they were upset 45-31 by Middle Tennessee, dropping to 2-2 on the season. Mario Cristobal's group is in serious need of a victory here but it won't be easy. Continue reading for the North Carolina vs Miami prediction.

Before we get into the betting preview, lines, and picks, make sure to check out our reviews of the top online sportsbooks.

North Carolina vs Miami Odds

	Spread	Moneyline	Total
North Carolina	+3 (+100)	+145	Ov 65.5 (-110)
Miami	-3 (-120)	-165	Un 65.5 (-110)

UNC has won three in a row against Miami, including a 45-42 thriller last season.

North Carolina vs Miami Betting Preview

The Tar Heels got beaten up in Week 4 by Notre Dame, allowing 45 points. They needed to respond last Saturday and needless to say, Mack Brown's squad did just that. UNC put up 41 points on Virginia Tech, with Maye having a field day at QB. The youngster went 26 for 36, throwing for 363 yards and three touchdowns, absolutely tearing apart the Hokies defense. He currently leads the nation in passing touchdowns with 19 to just one interception. Maye also owns a 69.7% completion rate. Talk about efficiency. The running back room continues to be productive, too. Caleb Hood and Omarion Hampton are both playing well, with Hood in particular shining. He's averaging 6.9 yards per carry so far. Although the Hurricanes aren't looking great at the moment, they do possess a very good run defense. That being said, it'll be very interesting to see how the UNC backfield does on Saturday. It'll be the first real test. If that ends up being a problem, Maye can always turn to his arm and wreak havoc downfield. NFL Draft prospect Josh Downs is also capable, already reeling in 22 receptions for 230 yards and four touchdowns. This team could be a solid option in the North Carolina vs Miami prediction.

Under first-year head coach Mario Cristobal, Miami had much higher expectations. If they're going to have any shot at covering the 3-point spread on Saturday, the defense must be drastically better. It allowed four plays of at least 65 yards against Middle Tennessee, a program that is not exactly well-known in the college football world. Now, the Canes come up against a UNC offense that is absolutely electric and one of the best in the country. Whether it's on the ground or in the air, the Tar Heels can get it done. This will be a tall task ahead. Unfortunately, injuries could take a toll on Miami's offense, too. Two of their best running backs and two wide receivers are doubtful to play Saturday. Tight end Elijah Arroyo is also questionable. That's going to leave quarterback Tyler Van Dyke with limited options, which is not a good sign. He's already been playing poorly too, completing 59% of his passes for four TDs and three interceptions.

Betting Trends

The total has gone over in five of UNC's last seven games
UNC is 4-8-1 ATS in their last 13 contests
When these two teams meet, the over has been hit in four of the last five
UNC is 5-2 ATS in last seven against Miami

Final Pick

To be honest, it's actually surprising to even see the Canes as a slim favorite here. UNC has looked like a much better team than them in 2022, despite Miami having more hype before the campaign began. With the hosts dealing with so many injuries to key playmakers in their offense, I honestly see no way they're able to win this one. Plus, the Tar Heels offense is firing on all cylinders right now and Drake Maye is fresh off one of his best games ever. You also can't forget that North Carolina has won three straight against their ACC foes. I'm liking the visitors against the spread here for a huge win that'll improve them to 5-1 in the North Carolina vs Miami prediction.

North Carolina ATS vs. Miami

+3 (+100)

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