On Saturday afternoon the Miami Hurricanes hosted the North Carolina Tar Heels in what was yet another crucial ACC Coastal matchup, as well as the Hurricanes homecoming game. The Canes had some extra inspiration going into the game as the University of Miami declared the game a ‘Kelly Tough’ green out.
The green out was to honor former Hurricane great Jim Kelly who continues to battle with cancer of the jaw and nasal cavity. The Canes used that inspiration along with the continuing inspiration of Carter Hucks to come away with a 47-20 victory against the Tar Heels.
The Tar Heels came into the game averaging 37.4 points per game and the Canes defense actually held them to 14 points (1 TD was on a fumble recovery) with 7 of those points coming in garbage time. It was predetermined that the Canes offense would have a successful day and this was the case as they were able to put up 47 points on a horrendous North Carolina defense.
Let’s take a look at grades for each position, special teams, and coaching in what was a very triumphant game in all aspects.
Quarterback
Brad Kaaya continued his strong freshman campaign by completing 11 of 17 passes for 189 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kaaya’s chemistry with tight end Clive Walford was exceptional and proved to be a very effective part of Miami’s gameplan. The true freshman has now played 3 straight games without throwing an interception, let’s hope this trend continues as the Canes play their biggest game of the season on November 15th.
Grade: A+
Running Backs
Duke Johnson was once again, unbelievable! Duke had 19 rushes for 177 yards (9.3 yard average!) and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 2 passes out of the backfield for 49 yards and another score. Joe Yearby was back in action after missing the previous game with a hamstring issue and had 22 carries for 104 yards and the first rushing touchdown of his career. Yearby also caught a 26 yard pass as well. Gus Edwards saw minimal action and had 3 carries for 22 yards.
With Duke Johnson running for 177 yards, he surpassed Edgerrin James to move into 2nd place on the Canes all-time rushing yards list with 3,080 yards. Duke also had a 90 yard run which was the longest of his career and the longest run so far this season in all of college football. It’s a must see!
You could not have asked for more from Duke and Co.
Grade: A+
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
What an exceptional game from tight end Clive Walford. He continues to show that he is such a valuable asset to this offense. Walford caught 6 passes for 89 yards and had 2 touchdowns. While there wasn’t much production out of the rest of the receiving core (Dobard: 1 catch 18 yards, O’Donnell: 1 catch 10 yards, Dorsett: 1 catch 7 yards) do not be fooled because the blocking from the receivers and tight ends should not be ignored. Do me a favor and re-watch the 90 yard TD run by Duke above and find #4 Phillip Dorsett. Did you see that block? Wow! Dorsett had several key blocks on the day along with the rest of the receivers and tight ends.
Again, while the passing game wasn’t used much, do not ignore the effort on blocks.
Grade: B
Offensive Line
I have to admit that with news that Ereck Flowers would be out this game and possibly longer, I became very worried. In fact, I am still fairly worried. The performance from the offensive line eased my worries a bit, not a lot, but a bit. Their performance wasn’t perfect, however, in the 2nd quarter Sonny Odogwu replaced a tired Trevor Darling at right tackle, Odogwu was beat pretty bad by North Carolina defensive end Mikey Bart and Kaaya was hit hard, the ball came loose and the Tar Heel’s Cayson Collins returned it for the scoop and score. The Canes recovered well and only gave up one more sack on the day.
Although the injury bug has hit the offensive line hard, they have still played very well and continue to give the running backs some serious holes to run through.
There will be tougher defensive lines to battle, so let’s hope right tackle Trevor Darling can ease into his position and gel with the rest of the group. Also, the offensive line needs a can of injury bug repellant, if there are any more injuries to this unit the Canes could be in serious trouble.
Grade: B+
Defensive Line
This may have been the best, if not one of the best, performances by the defensive line so far this season. The Tar Heels finished the game with 6 total yards rushing (yes, 6!!!) which says a lot about the performance of the defensive line. Tyriq McCord continued to wreak havoc and had 3 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Ufomba Kamalu had a solid day and had 3 tackles, a half a sack, and a tackle for a loss. Courtel Jenkins, Calvin Heurtelou, and Olsen Pierre combined for 5 tackles, while Michael Wyche had a tackle and a 1/2 a sack, and Anthony Chickillo had a tackle and 1/2 a tackle for a loss.
The defensive line needs to carry their intensity over to the next game…
Grade: B
Linebackers
The linebackers continued their aggressive play and they also need to be credited for limiting the Tar Heels to 6 total rushing yards. Denzel Perryman had a team-leading 10 tackles while adding a sack and a pass breakup. Jermaine Grace continued to play extremely well and had 8 tackles and a pass breakup. Darrion Owens ended the game with 2 tackles and a quarterback hurry, while Raphael Kirby had 2 tackles.
The linebackers have played very well as of late, especially Denzel Perryman and Jermaine Grace. Thurston Armbrister had a quiet day but I expect that to change.
Grade: B
Defensive Backs
Well it’s pretty obvious that Coach D’Onofrio wanted to get the defensive backs more involved in the game. Blitzing DB’s came in abundance! It’s also very refreshing to know that the defensive backs aren’t afraid to make a tackle. Corn Elder led the way with 7 tackles and a sack, Deon Bush continued his very strong play and finished with 5 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception, Artie Burns had 3 tackles and a sack, Antonio Crawford had 3 tackles and 2 pass breakups, and Tracy Howard, Ladarius Gunter, Nantambu-Akil Fentress, and Jamal Carter combined for 8 tackles and a pass breakup (Gunter).
The DB’s did a little bit of everything, it was a very impressive, well-rounded performance. Also, there were a few big pass plays but no touchdowns were given up through the air, which is not an easy task when playing against this North Carolina offense.
Grade: A-
The Hurricanes had a great showing against North Carolina and for the second straight week, the coaches and players executed to perfection. With all the criticism and blame that the coaches have received throughout their tenure, we just hope these last couple of games are signs of things to come.
We’ll find out more against Florida State.