Canes Warning
Fansided

Miami Hurricanes Five Keys to Victory Against North Carolina

By Alan Rubenstein

Sep 17, 2016; Boone, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt looks on during the third quarter against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Boone, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt looks on during the third quarter against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
miami hurricanes
Nov 15, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes place kicker Michael Badgley (24) kicks a field goal against the Florida State Seminoles in the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

Limit Mistakes

The Hurricanes are 100th in the nation with 366 penalty yards and 113th with 73.2 penalty yards per game. Against Florida State, the Hurricanes had ten penalties for 110 yards. When they occur is just as important. The “Canes have had far too many in opposing territory this season, stalling drives.

North Carolina has also struggled with penalties. They are 107th in the nation with 396 penalty yards and 100th with 66 penalty yards per game.

Turnovers and special teams are also critical. Florida State blocked Michael Badgley’s potential game-tying extra point with 1:38 left last week. That cost the Hurricanes a chance to potentially send the game to overtime. Badgley made both field goals last week but has only made four of six attempts on the season.

A big play on special teams can turn the course of a game. Braxton Berrios has been outstanding on punt returns this season. Berrios is averaging 13.4 yards per return and has one for a touchdown. Carolina has given up just one yard on six punt returns against this season.

The Hurricanes are averaging 22.6 yards on kickoff returns. While Spitzer hasn’t lived up to being the kick returner on the All-ACC team, they have been outstanding overall on returns.

Next: Miami Hurricanes vs North Carolina Tar heels Live Streaming and Game Info

Austin Proehl had the only other punt return this year. He had a 28-yard return in the Tar Heels win over Illinois. Proehl is the son of former NFL receiver and currently Carolina Panthers assistant coach Ricky Proehl who played in college at Wake Forest. Ricky Proehl and Andy Heck were teammates on the 1997 Bears.

Logan is averaging 27.2 yards per kickoff return with one going for a touchdown.

Home/Miami Hurricanes Football