Keeping It Heel
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Oct 15, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back T.J. Logan (8) runs the ball against the Miami Hurricanes 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 running back T.J. Logan (8) runs the ball against the Miami Hurricanes 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 /

UNC’s rushing takes backseat to UNC’s passing

Before you shoot the messenger, remember that old saying “Numbers Don’t Lie.” This past weekend, North Carolina’s running backs were not the focal point of the offense. Elijah Hood rushed 13 times for 31 yards and caught four passes for 28 yards. T.J. Logan had 15 carries for 84 yards and three receptions for two yards.

Although UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky ran 13 times for 47 yards, neither Hood or Logan scored a touchdown. In fact, Hood and Logan have not scored touchdowns since playing Florida State on October 1, 2016. Logan scored a rushing touchdown in the Florida State game whereas Hood did not. Hood has not scored a rushing touchdown since UNC played James Madison on September 17, 2016.

North Carolina’s rushing game use to be the center of their offense. Last season, Hood rushed for nearly 1,500 yards as a sophomore. This season, Hood barely gains 50 yards a game. Hood averages 52.7 yards per game. For the season, he has 80 rushes for 369 yards and four touchdowns.

Current backfield running mate Logan has 65 carries for 409 yards and five touchdowns. Although Logan has outperformed Hood slightly this season, Hood remains an integral part of UNC’s offense. His power running style will be significant as the weather gets colder and the closer it gets to the end of the season.

North Carolina needs their running backs to play better as the season continues. Opposing defenses will focus more on the wide receivers, the more UNC’s running backs underperform.

North Carolina’s next game will be an away game against Virginia. UNC has struggled playing Virginia away over the years and this weekend’s game will be another close game between these two division rivals.

Home/UNC Football