The Clemson Tigers look to continue their perfect 2020 regular season when they take on the Miami Hurricanes at home on Saturday night. Clemson still holds the top ranking in the AP polls after a win at Wake Forest and two home wins, over The Citadel and Virginia. That win over Virginia last week, in 41-23 fashion, was fairly emphatic but did not cover the 28 ½-point spread, as Virginia was able to make Clemson sweat on defense with a running quarterback. Miami also has a quarterback with a cannon arm and swift legs in D’Eriq King, the transfer from Houston. They come in ranked #7 in the AP polls, with home wins over UAB and Florida State sandwiched around a win at then-#18 Louisville. That win in Kentucky came in 47-34 fashion, raising possible questions about the Miami defense. The Hurricanes then routed Florida State, 52-10, although it should be noted that the Seminoles are a shell of their former selves at this point in time.
Check out our College Football betting insights on what is likely to be Clemson’s toughest test in conference play this year.
NCAAF: Miami (FL) at Clemson (October 10)
Game Details
Saturday, October 10, 2020, 7:30 pm ET
Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Game Odds
Clemson -14
O/U 61) | Bet on the Game Now!
Why should you Bet on Miami?
A Miami win would give them a 4-0 start to a season for the first time since the 2017 campaign. King has been terrific for the ‘Canes, throwing for 736 yards and posting a 6:0 TD:INT ratio in three games. Mike Harley leads the team with a dozen receptions, and the ground game is rocking too, picking up over 230 yards per game. Tailback Cam’Ron Harris has been the top ground gainer, rolling for 311 yards and five scores.
The Miami defense has been stout as well, permitting just 19.3 points per game (allowing just 10 to Florida State brought that average back down a bit). Al Blades Jr leads the team with a pair of interceptions, and Amari Carter is the top tackler with 19. MIami has covered the spread in five of their last ACC contests — but just once in their last six games against Clemson. The “over” has paid off in four of their last five meetings, which is surprising given the proud reputation of the Clemson defense and the emphasis placed on Miami’s “Turnover Chain.”
Why should you Put your Money on the Tigers?
A Clemson win would give them a 4-0 record for the sixth consecutive season. The last time Clemson lost at home came back in 2016, when Pitt came to town and delivered an unthinkable upset. Trevor Lawrence has thrown for 848 yards with a 7:0 TD:INT ratio over thee games, and Travis Etienne leads the team with nine receptions. Etienne is also the leading ground gainer with 243 yards and a pair of scores. Frank Ladson Jr and Amari Rodgers have caught five touchdown passes between them.
On defense, Clemson allows just a dozen points (and 303 yards) per game. The top tackler for Clemson is Baylon Spector (21, and Myles Murphy leads the team with a pair of sacks. Clemson has covered in six of their last eight October games in 17 of their last 22 ACC contests.
The Final Word
Miami has tried for the last few years to reassert themselves as a major powerhouse in college football once again, but in their last two meetings with Clemson, the Tigers have rolled by an aggregate score of 96-3. Miami can take pride in their win at Louisville, but this is the test that they have been waiting for. In King, they have a quarterback who can throw the ball down the field and show speed with his legs, and the Hurricanes have forced six turnovers in three games. Can they knock off Clemson? I don’t think so, but I don’t think Clemson will run away with this one either. I predict a final score of Clemson 34, Miami 23 — which means the Hurricanes cover.
College Football Betting Odds
Love betting NCAA football? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date college lines
