UNC Football: Players of the Game versus Miami Hurricanes

The UNC Football team had another impressive showing in week six versus the Miami Hurricanes. Who were the players of the game?

On Saturday evening, the UNC Football team rallied from a 17-14 halftime deficit against the Miami Hurricanes to run off 24 consecutive points and take a commanding 38-17 lead before winning the game 41-31. There were plenty of performances in the high-profile matchup that could have earned Player of the Game honors, but there were a few that just stood out a little more.

For the first time this season, the offensive side of the ball had co-player of the game award winners: Sophomore running back Omarion Hampton and transfer wide receiver Tez Walker both won this award. Hampton had a monster day against a Miami defense that entered the game No. 1 in the country in rush defense, allowing just 58 yards per game. Hampton rushed for 197 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown and could’ve probably ended up with 250 or more had it not been for a few holding calls.

Walker made his presence felt Saturday night, and everyone found out why he is so important to this offense. Six catches for 132 yards and three touchdowns helped propel the Tar Heels to a big offensive outing, including a 33-yard reception on 3rd and 20 for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. UNC Football fans are glad his eligibility was finally reversed just over 10 days ago.

Defensively, Cedric Gray had another outstanding performance and was all over the field against the Hurricanes. Gray led the team in tackles, again, with 10 for the game, including a tackle for loss. He also had a pass deflection, a fumble recovery in the endzone, and an interception.

The UNC Football special teams unit took a big hit with a season-ending injury to punter Ben Kiernan. In his place, sophomore Australian punter Tom Maginness took his place. Maginness had a total of six punts on Saturday night against the Hurricanes and averaged 38.3 yards per punt, including landing two inside the Miami 20-yard line. The biggest positive was that, for the first time in three games, there wasn’t a punt blocked.

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