NCAA Football betting fans that tuned in for last year’s Sun Bowl got to watch a game that didn’t lake excitement, but was lacking in sun. Amidst a flurry of snow Washington State was able to overcome Miami 20 – 14. Washington State games are notorious for being crazy and this was no exception. The 1st half was manageable, but during the second the snow became so intense that even the cameraman was unable to keep track of the ball. If the cameraman struggled you can only imagine the difficulties facing Miami who are not accustomed to playing in such severe weather.
Slow Game
The snow started slow and the game took off quick but in the second half it was the other way around with the snow coming down hard and both teams slowed by the cold. Both schools scored on their opening drives, turned the ball over in the 1st half, and failed to convert critical third downs. Washington State failed to put the nail in the coffin by failing two fourth down conversions late in the game. The fourth quarter was the most exciting of the game and Miami started it off with a 60-yard run to bring the game within six.
Snowy Action
The snow played a big part in the next turnover as Miami fumbled on Washington State’s five-yard line. The defense held for Miami however and the Hurricanes were able to get the ball back on the Cougar’s 28. Miami felt a little risky and decided to call a halfback pass in a heated snowstorm and the decision proved costly as it turned into an interception that lost them the game.
Nightmare in a Snowstorm
After finishing 2015 with an 8 – 5 record the Hurricanes season came to a finish with a nightmare in a snowstorm. The season was such a disappointment that Miami decided to part ways with their 5th year head coach Al Golden. Now the university turns to Mark Richt to provide leadership for their football program. Richt recently got fired from and while the official statement said it was a mutual agreement, the decision felt very one-sided. On December 4th 2015 the University of Miami announced that Richt would be their new head coach.
Richt Experience
Richt has his fair share of experience but has never found outstanding success. His accolades are made up mostly of winning the SEC coach of the year awards in 2002 and 2005. While the hiring of Richt might be enough to convince NCAA Football betting fans of their future success, Miami hasn’t been able to sway the sportsbooks. Their odds are currently +15000 to win the national title and +1075 to win the ACC.
New Personnel
As is the norm whenever a new coach comes in, Richt has brought along all new personnel. Thomas Brown will be joining him as offensive coordinator and Manny Diaz will be heading the defense. Diaz has been coaching since 1998 and his resume includes time spent at Texas, Florida State, and North Carolina State University. Thomas Brown was a former college football player who was unable to succeed in the NFL. He’s been coaching since 2011 and it’ll be interesting to see what he is able to do for this passing offense that was second in the ACC behind Clemson. Whatever direction this program takes you can be certain the world of NCAA Football betting will be watching.