Miami Hurricanes biggest takeaway after win over North Carolina

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: Mike Smith #35 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts to sacking Chazz Surratt #12 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second during the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Hard Rock Stadium on September 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: Mike Smith #35 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts to sacking Chazz Surratt #12 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second during the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Hard Rock Stadium on September 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

The story of the Miami Hurricanes 47-10 victory over North Carolina on Thursday night was their three defensive touchdowns. What else can we take away from the Hurricanes 2018 ACC Opener?

The buzz before the North Carolina game was primarily surrounding who would be the Miami Hurricanes starting quarterback. N’Kosi Perry came in last week against FIU and led Miami to a 31-17 victory.

Perry was 17 of 25 for 224 yards with three touchdowns and one interception against FIU. He also ran nine times for 25 yards. Perry did not have to do as much against North Carolina because of the Miami Hurricanes defense. He was eight of 12 for 125 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble.

The other thing to watch over the next week is the health of middle linebacker Shaq Quarterman. Quarterman left the game against North Carolina with a sprained ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return. Quarterman was dominant before his injury.

The Junior All-American middle linebacker had a strip sack in the first quarter that Jonathan Garvin recovered for a scoop and score and the first of the three defensive touchdowns on the night. Quarterman finished with five tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, a pass breakup and the forced fumble.

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  • Quarterman’s backup Mike Smith also left the game in the third quarter after he too was playing well. Smith finished with four tackles and 2.5 TFLs against the Tar Heels. Smith has played very well over the past three games. He has 14 tackles and six TFLs which are career highs over a three-game stretch.

    ESPN examined the top takeaways on Saturday afternoon for each of the 25 teams that have finished their games this weekend. Their summary of the Miami Hurricanes centered around  Perry’s development and Quarterman’s injury.

    "“The turnover chain became the overriding story in Miami’s 47-10 victory over North Carolina, as the Hurricanes forced six turnovers and scored three times on defense.But there are two takeaways that cannot be overlooked: N’Kosi Perry got his first career start and showed off the dazzling passing ability that coach Mark Richt has raved about since signing the quarterback last year. Perry showed a comfort in the offense a week ago against FIU, and that continued in his first start.He did throw a few interceptions (editor’s note-it was actually just one, but Perry also lost a fumble), but for the most part, you can see why Richt has been so high on Perry. His passing ability makes Miami a far different team on offense.Secondly, starting middle linebacker Shaq Quarterman sprained his ankle, and although Richt didn’t sound too concerned, his status is one to watch with Florida State looming next week.Miami safety Jaquan Johnson has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, and the Hurricanes can’t afford to be without their best two players on defense as the season moves forward. — Adelson"

    Miami needs Johnson and Quarterman back if they hope to achieve their primary goal of repeating their ACC Coastal Division Championship. Johnson was Miami’s leading tackler at the time of his injury and Quarterman is after Thursday night’s game. It’s debatable if they are the Hurricanes two best defensive players.

    Defensive tackle Gerald Willis and defensive end Jonathan Garvin have been dominant this season. Willis leads the country with 10.5 tackles for loss and Garvin is third with 9.5.

    Garvin is second on Miami with 25 total tackles and has added 1.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups and a touchdown. Willis is third on the Hurricanes with 25 tackles, has two sacks and a pass breakup.

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