Early CFB Analysis...U of Miami

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Miami hopes to continue its trend of quick starts when it meets Florida State in the season’s opening game. Many experts are already pointing to that contest as the potential ACC championship. It’s unusual for a team to have league title aspirations in its first year of competition, but then again most teams aren’t Miami. Most teams can’t win 46 of 50 games in a four-year span. Coming off an 11 win season in 2003, The Hurricanes will need to retool slightly heading into this year. Seven starters return on offense, but the QB position remained unsettled as of spring, as a battle for the job was being waged among three players, including incumbent Brock Berlin. Four starters return on defense but that unit should be loaded with athletes as usual. The ACC presents new challenges, but Miami appears well prepared.

TOP HANDICAPPING ANGLES
MIAMI is 4-8 ATS (33%) in its L12 vs excellent rushing teams avg 5.25 YPR or more
Miami's ATS success hasn't matched its overall on the field won-lost records. One particular situation the Hurricanes have struggled in is against good rushing teams. Teams like West Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Tennesee all gave the 'Canes big problems in '03.
* Potential spots for 2004: 10/23 at NCS, 12/4 vs VT

Over the L3 seasons, MIAMI is 2-7 ATS (22%) coming off a bye week
Discipline in the Miami football program has for long been in question. This trend stands as a reflection of that. For one reason or another, Miami just hasn't used off weeks productively. The Hurricanes have three bye weeks on the 2004 schedule.
* Potential spots for 2004: 9/18 vs LTU, 10/14 vs LOU, 12/4 vs VT

Since '92, MIAMI is 16-7 ATS (70%) vs. good pass teams averaging 250 or more PYPG.
Having led the country in pass yardage defense in each of the last three seasons, this impressive trend on Miami needs no explanation. Furthermore, it is worthy to note that in the ACC, Miami should have more opportunities to capitalize on this defensive strength.
* Potential spots for 2004: 10/14 vs LOU, 10/23 at NCS, 11/6 vs CLM

More from Arizona (NFL)

ARIZONA
Since '92, ARIZONA is 18-30 ATS (38%) as a favorite
No NFL team has experienced as little success over the past decade as the Cardinals. Since 1985, the Card's have achieved a winning record only once. ('98) As a result, their futility as a favorite should come as no surprise as they are rarely the better team on the field.
** Potential spots for 2004: 11/14 vs NYG, 12/12 vs SF

ARIZONA is 4-8 ATS (33%) in its L12 games versus excellent offensive teams - (>=6 YPP)
The Cardinals struggled badly on the defensive end last season. They allowed a league worst 28.2 PPG. Overall, they ranked 29th in the league in passing defense and 26th in total defense. Obviously, teams with good offenses can exploit this vulnerability.
** Potential spots for 2004: 9/12 at STL, 12/19 vs STL

ARIZONA is 6-12 ATS (33%) in its L18 games versus terrible offensive teams - (<=260 yards/game)
The weak Cardinal defense has even provided an opportunity to poorer offenses to "right their ships". Arizona's defense has been so ineffective that literally any NFL caliber offense can exploit it. Any improvement in '04 must start with the defensive side of the ball.
** Potential spots for 2004: 10/31 at BUF, 12/5 at DET

ARIZONA is 12-6 ATS (67%) in its L18 games when playing against a top-level team (Win Pct. > 75%)
If there's one spot where Arizona has enjoyed any success, this is it. This is as much of a testament to the fact that the Red Birds are frequently large dogs as it is any on-field success. How many times have they stayed close, only to break their fans hearts in the last seconds!
** Potential spots for 2004: 9/12 at STL, 9/19 vs NE, 12/19 vs STL

StatFox Quick Tips
Since '92, ARIZONA is 8-16 ATS (33%) after a game forcing 4 or more turnovers.
ARIZONA is 0-5 ATS (0%) in its L5 games revenging a home loss against opponent by 14 points or more.
ARIZONA was 0-8 ATS (0%) in road games in 2003.
Since '92, ARIZONA is 3-27 ATS (10%) when they allow 35 or more points.