Tar Heels Football: Takeaways from UNC vs. Florida State

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Oct 1, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) is tripped up by North Carolina Tarheels safety Donnie Miles (15) during the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

Andre’ Smith and Donnie Miles – All over the field

Prior to Saturday’s game against Florida State, Andre’ Smith and Donnie Miles ranked third and fifth overall in the ACC in tackles. Andre’ Smith has 28 tackles and Smith had 26 tackles.

Both Smith and Miles had solid games on Saturday. After the win, both players remain in the top five in the ACC in tackles (37 and 36 tackles respectively).

In addition, fellow Tar Heel Cole Holcomb (linebacker) is in the top 10 in the ACC in tackles with 31.

UNC’s defense may not be the best; however, they do enough to keep North Carolina in the game. In their defense (literally and figuratively), UNC’s defense held Florida State to 14 points until the fourth quarter. In the final quarter, Florida State exploded for 21 points. The Seminoles’ time of possession was 34:58 compared to North Carolina’s 25:02.

North Carolina’s defense played well, based on how long they were on the field. Florida State’s three touchdowns in the fourth quarter were a sign of their fatigue.

Smith and Miles headline this defense. UNC has gotten through two of their toughest games with consecutive victories. Kudos to the offense and defense.

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