UNC Enters the Top Ten After Defeating Miami 31-41
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (PSF)—UNC Football continues their undefeated season and moves to #10 in the nation after beating Miami 31-41 Saturday at Kenan Stadium.
Offense:
UNC’s offense had a great night, generating 508 total yards and zero turnovers. Quarterback Drake Maye threw for 273 yards and four touchdowns.
The man of the night, though, was wide receiver Tez Walker. In just his second game in a Tarheels uniform, Walker had six receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns. He was Maye’s go-to guy and demonstrated why UNC was fighting so hard for his eligibility.
Walker’s first touchdown was an 18-yard reception and caused the sold-out stadium to erupt. Then, just two minutes into the second half, Walker had a huge 56-yard touchdown that kickstarted the dominant UNC momentum in the third quarter. On UNC’s next drive, he hauled in a 33-yard reception for his third touchdown of the night.
Drake Maye and Tez Walker connect for the duo’s 2nd TD.
Video by ESPN
UNC has a passing offensive style, but this game they were almost 50/50 between the run and passing game. Running back Omarion Hampton carried the ground game for Carolina, rushing for 197 yards and one touchdown and also had a receiving touchdown. Hampton’s huge 60-yard run in the fourth quarter also set UNC up for a 23-yard field goal to put them 17 points over Miami.
UNC goes up 35-17 on Omarion Hampton's 2nd TD
Video by ESPN
Miami’s dominant defense came up short against Carolina’s fast-tempo offense. UNC’s offensive line did struggle some against Miami’s defense, though. They gave up five sacks and made Maye rush more in the pocket, but UNC was able to adapt to this playing style while keeping their quick tempo.
Defense:
UNC’s defense also had a dominant day, finishing with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. The secondary also did a great job breaking up passes.
The man of UNC’s defense was linebacker Cedric Gray. Gray had a fumble recovery, an interception and led the team with 10 total tackles. Gray’s fumble recovery was on the goal line and stopped Miami from scoring on that drive. His interception occurred on the first play of Miami’s second possession in the third quarter and led to a UNC touchdown.
Cedric Gray recovers the fumble for UNC.
Video by ESPN
Defensive lineman Kaimon Rucker was also a crucial player for Carolina’s defense, accounting for two and a half of the three sacks of the night.
Takeaways:
UNC was slammed with many penalties this game. They ended with 14 penalties for 147 yards, compared to Miami’s seven penalties for 69 yards. Some of these calls were questionable, but nonetheless, UNC needs to be more disciplined so they do not give up yardage on key plays.
The third quarter was Carolina’s quarter. After trailing by three points going into the locker room, UNC put up 21 unanswered points and led 17-35 going into the fourth. Unfortunately, their momentum began to falter as the defense gave up two touchdowns and the offense only scored two field goals in the last 15 minutes. The team needs to be mindful of how they spend their energy, especially going into bigger games, so that a possible fourth quarter comeback does not occur.
UNC will be at home again Saturday afternoon and will play UVA in hopefully an easy game.