The Miami Hurricanes kick off their 2013 campaign at Sun Life Stadium Friday, hosting the Florida Atlantic Owls. Television coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
How to watch FAU vs. Miami 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Miami opens the season against an in-state opponent.
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Miami has only won more than seven games once in the past seven years. They’re the trendy pick for the Coastal Division regardless, however, thanks to both the weak nature of the division and a conference-leading 20 returning starters.
Florida Atlantic enters their second year under Carl Pelini, and have not had a winning season since 2008. The Owls are entering their first year in Conference USA after eight season in the Sun Belt.
Miami will be honoring the 1983 National Champion football team at halftime. That team was coached by Florida Atlantic program-starter Howard Schnellenberger, who will be attending the festivities.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Miami received votes in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll, but was unable to crack the Top 25. Florida Atlantic is unranked in both polls.
Vegas: Miami is a 31.5-point favorite Friday. The over/under is 53.5 points. OddsShark has details and wagering information.
Weather: The forecast for Friday in Miami Gardens calls for isolated thunderstorms, a 30% chance of rain and a high of 89 degrees.
Three names to know
Miami running back Duke Johnson is one of the most talented players in the country, and is a front-runner for the ACC Player of the Year award. As a true freshman last year, Johnson ran 139 times for 947 yards and ten touchdowns, with an additional 27 receptions for 221 yards and a score.
Stephen Morris returns for the Hurricanes at quarterback, coming off his best year by a wide margin. Morris set career highs in nearly every passing category in 2012, throwing for 3,345 yards and 21 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Morris had four 300-yard games, two over 400 yards and put together an incredible performance against North Carolina State where he threw for 566 yards and five touchdowns.
For the Owls, senior running back Jonathan Wallace is a former JuCo transfer who has turned himself into both a reliable workhorse back and a team captain. Last season, Wallace ran the ball 175 times for 648 yards and six touchdowns. Wallace will look to carry the load for Florida Atlantic’s offense again this year.
Two things at stake
Miami has not lost a non-conference game to a Florida opponent since an overtime defeat to South Florida in 2010.
Florida Atlantic has not won a non-conference game against an FBS opponent since a 2008 bowl victory over Central Michigan.
How to witness
TV: ESPNU
Radio: Here’s a list of Miami affiliates.
Online streaming: WatchESPN.
Further reading
For previews, analysis and everything Miami, check out State of The U.
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