Five Deciding Factors in North Carolina vs. Miami Football Game

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The most eyebrow-raising performance in the North Carolina Tar Heels’ 24-20 victory over South Carolina came from the group that had the most question marks: the offensive line. 

They had some false starts, and Tar Heel freshman quarterback Sam Howell took some hits earlier on; but, they were essential in Carolina’s consecutive 90-plus-yard drives that led to victory.  

Carolina’s offensive line has a tall task against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes, because of their phenomenal front-seven. Junior defensive lineman Jonathan Garvin made the preseason Bednarik Award, defensive player of the year; Bronko Nagurski, top defensive player; and Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch lists.

Tar Heels Head Coach Mack Brown describes Miami senior linebackers Michael Pinckney and Shaquille Quarterman as the kingpins of the Hurricane and probably the best linebacker combination in the country. They both made the Butkus Award Watch list, top linebacker, and Quarterman made the Bednarik and Nagurski alongside Garvin. 

Hurricanes Head Coach Manny Diaz is known for his exotic blitzes. Identifying blitz packages is the number one factor in deciding the game for Carolina. 

“We have a range of calls that we have to make when we see a blitz coming,” said Charlie Heck, a senior Tar Heels offensive lineman who earned the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week. “That can change what we’re gonna do on a certain play. Once we so those backers start creeping, we have certain IDs that we see on film. We know this means blitz, and so we have to make those calls right away before they clap the ball, and we get going. 

Below are the other four foremost factors, no particular order, that will affect the outcome of this a sold-out, 50,500, under the lights, ACC Coastal Division battle Saturday. 

Taking Jordan out of the Aerial Attack 

The Carolina defense limited Bryan Edwards, South Carolina’s top receiver, to one catch for seven yards. A similar, effort is a must against Hurricanes sophomore tight end Brevin Jordan. Miami uses the 6-3, 245-pound Jordan in all levels of the passing game. He hauled in five passes for 88 yards receiving and one touchdown receiving.  

“Depending on our scheme,” said Tar Heels junior strong safety Myles Wolfolk. “I’ll be in coverage. Linebackers will be in coverage. Corners might be in coverage. It depends on the play, the formation we get, and just knowing where he’s at on the field, will be a big part of the game.” 

Tar Heels defensive coordinator Jay Bateman runs multiple defensive schemes, which allows his players to showcase their wide array of skills and to confuse the offense.

“It’s very effective,” Wolfolk said about the multiple defenses. “We did a great job in camp in making sure that our DBs and backers could play each position within their group because you never know who’s moving where, and we have a lot of skill guys, and just being able to use the versatility that we have is gonna help.” 

A Good Problem to Have 

North Carolina junior linebacker Chazz Surratt and sophomore linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel exceeded expectations in their first starts. Surratt led the team with 12 tackles and Gemmel added five. The Tar Heels have added depth at the position with senior linebacker Dominique Ross returning to action. 

“We’re really working at (the linebacker rotation),” said Brown, “because Dominique (Ross) is such a great pass rusher too. He’s one of our best, so we’re looking at different packages. Jay (Bateman) does a really good job of getting the best guys on the field with the right time to get the pressure that we need.”

The Battle of Bling 

The Hurricanes’ defense is known for its turnover chain, which debuted three years ago. But, the Tar Heel debuted “The Turnover Belt” last game. Miami forced four turnovers, two interceptions, and two fumbles, in their first game while Wolfolk tallied two interceptions for Carolina last Saturday. Both teams had ball-carrying struggles last game. The Hurricanes fumbled the ball three times but regained possession twice, and the Tar Heels fumbled the ball twice and regained possession once. 

Airing it out 

Carolina and Miami have prolific running games. Hurricanes feature back DeeJay Dallas averaged 8.5 yards on 11 carries for 94 yards rushing and one touchdown rushing. North Carolina relies on a balanced attack from its running back core. Senior Antonio Williams, junior Michael Carter and sophomore Javonte Williams averaged 13.2, 4.8 and 5.7 yards per carry respectively Saturday. 

Being able to throw the ball downfield is a deciding factor. Both teams have talented athletes on defensive and great masterminds calling the plays. Yards on the ground will be hard-earned, and each team needs the passing game to take the pressure off their running backs. 

Hurricanes redshirt freshman Jarren Williams and Howell both had completion percentages close to 63 percent, 63.3 and 62.5 percent respectively, with over 200 yards passing and touchdowns passing, but Williams got sacked 10 times against Florida; Howell was eased into his first college game

From their opening drive to the end of the game, expect Carolina to open the playbook for Howell. He faces a better secondary than last week and, according to Brown, a group that features one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, junior Miami native Trajan Bandy. 

“This gives them the chance to take another huge step against a really talented team,” Brown said. Miami will be as talented as any other team we play except for Clemson. … So, this is a real test at home just to see if we have a real chance here, or to see if we’re still growing.” 

Tune In 

Kickoff: 8 p.m. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. 

Watch: ACC Network 

Listen: Tar Heels Sports Network