UNC football vs. Miami Hurricanes: Game preview, info, prediction and more
The 4-1 North Carolina Tar Heels will hit the road to take on the 2-2 Miami Hurricanes in a crucial Atlantic Coast Conference matchup.
This Saturday, UNC will be playing on the road for the third time this season, going 2-0 in their first two trips. The first win came in Appalachian State’s hostile environment in a 63-61 finish for the ages, while UNC scored late to beat the Panthers 35-28 in Georgia.
Miami’s season started hot, blowing out their first two opponents by 100 points to 20. Since then, they have cooled off significantly, losing to Texas A&M and paying Middle Tennessee to come into town and upset the Hurricanes 45-17.
North Carolina is coming off their best season game, beating Virginia Tech 41-10. UNC’s defense played their best all season, with sure tackling and perfect-timing blitz calls. Miami’s offense struggles against Middle Tennessee came in the run game, in which the Hurricanes were held to 1.6 yards per carry.
Key to victory for UNC
Oct 1, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) reacts after intercepting the ball in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The defense will reign as the critical piece for North Carolina to win this football game. The defense played the second half of last weekend’s victory at a high level, holding Virginia Tech’s offense to zero points.
Miami’s offense has been balanced this year, relying more on their rushing attack to score. Their leading rusher is running back Henry Parrish Jr., who has 359 yards and four touchdowns on the season. Miami announced quarterback Tyler Van Dyke would be the starter Saturday, giving UNC enough time to a game plan.
If North Carolina can display the level of defense they played in the second half against Virginia Tech, I like UNC’s chance of leaving Miami, 5-1.
Something to watch
Oct 1, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels run on to the field before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
How will UNC fair against the Miami Hurricanes atmosphere?
This season North Carolina has gotten it done on the road, no matter the crowd volume. Miami possesses a different level test, with this game having severe implications on the ACC standings.
Both teams need this win, as UNC is currently tied for the first spot with the (4-1) Duke Blue Devils. Neither team are in the Associated Press Polls Top 25, yet a win here could change that.
What you need to know
WHAT? North Carolina (4-1) at Miami Hurricanes (2-2)
WHEN? Saturday, Oct. 8th, 3:30 p.m. ET
WHERE? Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
TV? ESPN/ABC (Watch and stream the game live on ESPN+)
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? Precipitation: 15%, 84 degrees, Wind: 15mph
LINE? UNC +3.5
LAST MEETING? 2021, North Carolina 45-42
ALL-TIME SERIES? NC leads 12-11
PREDICTION? UNC 42, Miami 21
