Keeping It Heel
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Tar Heels Football: Takeaways from UNC vs. Miami

By Horran Cameron

Oct 15, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Andre Smith (10) brings down Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Stacy Coley (3) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeat the Miami Hurricanes 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Andre Smith (10) brings down Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Stacy Coley (3) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeat the Miami Hurricanes 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) reacts after scoring on a thirty-two yard touchdown pass with teammates wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) and wide receiver Bug Howard (84) against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) reacts after scoring on a thirty-two yard touchdown pass with teammates wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) and wide receiver Bug Howard (84) against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

No Return of the Mack (Hollins)

As stated earlier, North Carolina’s Mack Hollins will miss the rest of the season due to breaking his collarbone against the Miami Hurricanes. Hollins finishes his college career with 81 receptions for 1,667 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Hollins was North Carolina’s biggest deep threat. His combination of size and speed were difficult for defenses to cover. At 6’4″ 210 pounds, Hollins became an instant, impact player for the Tar Heels after walking onto the team several years ago.

Hollins’ absence will leave a void in Carolina’s offense. However, that void will be filled by several players. Ryan Switzer has had a spectacular senior season. He ranks second in the ACC in receiving yards (606). For the season, Switzer has 58 receptions. Switzer’s number will continue to be called a great deal. In the Miami game, Switzer caught nine passes for 17 yards and one touchdown. Despite his stats not being impressive against Miami, Switzer was one of the primary go-to guys on offense.

Bug Howard stepped up his game after Hollins was knocked out of the game. Against Miami, Howard had arguably his best college game to date. He finished the game with 10 catches for 156 yards. Howard’s frame (6’5″ 210 pounds) resembles Hollins. He will quickly become a deep threat for Carolina with his size. Do not forget about the game-winning catch Howard had against Pittsburgh. That game illustrated how his size poses problems for opposing defenses. In addition, Howard’s game-winning catch shows how much Trubisky trusts him.

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