Miami Hurricanes Football: Q&A with Keeping It Heel’s John Bauman

Saturday afternoon is the homecoming game for the University of Miami, but it’s also a day where the Miami Hurricanes can honor the great Jim Kelly. We have heard what Kelly has gone through these last couple of years and he’s an inspiration to us all. I just hope there are a lot of people in the stands and cheer as hard as you can for Jim Kelly and the Miami Hurricanes football team. Saturday’s game is also another big game for Miami if they want to stay in the Coastal Division race. Miami needs some help along the way, but all they can do is win. Standing in the way of that are the North Carolina Tar Heels, who are also trying to make some noise. We should have a fun, competitive game on Saturday and we’re all looking forward to it.

We would like to thank John Bauman of Keeping It Heel for taking the time and answering some questions we had regarding the North Carolina football team heading into Saturday’s game.

Q: The Tar Heels almost gave Notre Dame their first loss of the season and then have rallied for two straight ACC wins against Georgia Tech and Virginia. What did North Carolina improve on in those games and what caused the early 4-game losing streak this season?

A: UNC started off the season with a 2-0 record against two inferior opponents, Liberty and San Diego State. UNC looked alright in those two games but certainly didn’t dominate the way they probably should have. Heading into Game 3 against East Carolina, UNC was expected to win or at the very least expected to contest the Pirates closely. That was not the case, as UNC’s defense was non existent against East Carolina’s offensive attack. The Tar Heels couldn’t rebound a week later against Clemson, although both the offense and defense showed signs of life. The Virginia Tech game was a low point, as it was UNC’s third loss and dropped them to 0-2 in the ACC. That was a really poor showing by the Tar Heels and if the game is replayed now, I think UNC wins. The Notre Dame loss was when UNC started to turn things around. They played a really good Notre Dame team to a close one in South Bend behind the strong play of the run defense and of Marquise Williams. The Heels carried that momentum into wins in their last two games and hope to continue the win streak this weekend against the Canes.

Q: The Miami defense played really well against Virginia Tech but it’s become known for their inconsistent defense now. Who is the one player that Miami fans should keep an eye on while the Tar Heels are on offense? (other than Marquise Williams)

A: Mack Hollins. Hollins is a former walk-on who has broken out as a star this season at wide receiver for the Tar Heels. Hollins is a deep threat wide receiver and stretches the field for the Tar Heel offense. He is really good at running those deep routes and making in air adjustments to the ball. He is a big, lanky receiver who is a tough matchup for any NCAA corner. I expect that Miami’s DBs will have their hands full covering Hollins, and he is one player to really watch on Saturday.

Q: Miami’s defense hasn’t been stellar this season, but neither has North Carolina’s. What do you expect out of the Tar Heels defense against a really potent Miami offense?

A: I am worried about Duke Johnson being able to run wild against a less than stellar Tar Heel run defense. The Tar Heels are better against the run than against the pass, and Duke will do less damage than someone like a Deshaun Watson or Shane Carden was able to do against the Tar Heels earlier in the season, but I think Duke could run for over 150 yards in this one. Remember, last season the Heels couldn’t stop the Canes backup running back in Chapel Hill while Duke was injured. The keys for the Tar Heels will be getting Miami behind the chains, in third and long situations, to force Brad Kaaya to make a play. Also, getting off the field on third down is a must.

Q: Mobile quarterbacks have given Miami headaches this season. What does Miami have to do to try and stop Marquise Williams on Saturday?

A: If you are worried about mobile quarterbacks, you should be dreading having to face Marquise Williams, who has quietly developed into a star QB in Chapel Hill. Williams’s worst attribute is his dropback passing. Miami has to force Williams to stay in the pocket and try and limit the damage he makes in the running game. Also, if I was Miami’s defensive coordinator, I would have my defense running every blitz in the playbook this weekend to try and get Marquise Williams on his back as much as possible. The Tar Heel O-line struggled to keep Williams upright last weekend against Virginia, and I think the Canes pass rush can have the same effect on Marquise if they really dial up the blitz and attack him .

Q: Who do you think wins and why?

A: I think the Tar Heels continue to ride the wave of momentum that got them back to .500 in ACC play and beat the Miami Hurricanes in a close one. The Canes won’t be able to stop Marquise Williams, and the Tar Heel defense will do just enough to bring home a victory. My final score prediction is 35-31 Tar Heels.

Once again, we would like to thank John Bauman for taking the time to answer these questions about the Tar Heels football team.