UNC Football vs. MIAMI: Game preview, info, prediction, and more

The UNC Football team will look to keep the skies clear of any hurricanes as they hope to find their identity.

Last Saturday, UNC fans witnessed their -17.5 favorites lose 35-25 to the Florida State Seminoles. A frustrating offense that lacked energy and a defense that symbolized Swiss cheese failed to find consistent play resulting in another pothole in the Tar Heels journey. Carolina sits at a 3-3 overall record with the 2-3 Miami Hurricanes spinning through town Saturday.

UNC will look to beat Miami for the third year in a row.

When fans first saw this match-up, many expected two high-ranked teams but instead will have to settle for a statement game of what-ifs. Miami is coming off a 30-28 nail-biting loss to the Virginia Cavaliers, a loss in which the slow start could be to blame.

Miami is no slouch and despite their record, they have shown glimpses of excellent running with Cam’Ron Harris leading the charge. A big question mark heading into this game is Miami’s quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who will be starting his first road game of his collegiate career. This game for UNC could lead to more disappointment or a sense of belief with Notre Dame next on the schedule.

Key Victory For UNC

To beat Miami, UNC will need the defense to make Dyke’s first road start an early Halloween nightmare. A few weeks ago, Carolina dominated Duke’s offensive line, sacking Gunnar Holmberg five times. However, this same defense struggled last week, not getting one sack against FSU. Putting pressure on the quarterback, especially with Dyke’s inexperience, will give Tomon Fox and the Carolina defense the edge.

Something To Watch

Once again, all eyes will be on UNC’s offense. This season the slow starts have been the dagger to Carolina winning, and falling behind Miami early would only continue that trend. Sam Howell has to move the ball down the field effectively, and that starts with making the simple check-down. Carolina is great at big explosion plays when Howell has time, however, Howell has had less time than fruity pebbles do with milk, so check-downs would be beneficial.

Ty Chandler’s constant strides in the backfield are also something UNC fans should watch out for. Chandler has been the ideal running back this season and has gotten Carolina out of some tricky spots with his ability to shoot through the enemy lines. Chandler, who currently averages 5.5 yards per carry, will need to be the driving force in moving the chains. A good run game will force Miami’s defense to play upfront, which would open up the passing game for Howell’s deep touchdown bombs. This is a statement game with both teams needing a win, but with home-field advantage, UNC should be able to cruise to victory.

What You Need To Know

WHAT? Miami Hurricanes (2-3, 0-1 in the ACC) AT North Carolina Tar Heels (3-3, 2-3 in ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, October 16 at 3:30  EDT
WHERE? Kenan Memorial Stadium
TV? ACC Network
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? 50% chance of scattered showers with a high of 80 degrees
LINE? UNC -7.5
LAST MEETING? 2020 (W, 62-26 at Miami)
ALL-TIME SERIES? UNC leads 12-10
PREDICTION? UNC 31, MIAMI 24

Be sure to check back with Keeping it Heel as we give our recap and much more.