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Miami football five critical elements that led to loss at North Carolina

By Alan Rubenstein

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 07: Dazz Newsome #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dives to make a catch in front of DJ Ivey #8 and Romeo Finley #30 of the Miami Hurricanes look oon during the second half of their game at Kenan Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 28-25. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 07: Dazz Newsome #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dives to make a catch in front of DJ Ivey #8 and Romeo Finley #30 of the Miami Hurricanes look oon during the second half of their game at Kenan Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 28-25. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The game was there to win for the Miami football team in a 28-25 loss at North Carolina on Saturday night. Instead, Miami begins a season 0-2 for the first time since 1977.

Critical mistakes hindered the Miami football team for the second game in a row to start the season 0-2 for the first time since 1977. Detractors will focus on the Hurricanes two losses to begin the season. Playing Florida in a de facto home game for the Gators and at North Carolina was a tough way to begin the season.

There were multiple factors that the Miami football team lost at North Carolina. A few big plays and adjustments before resuming ACC play in four weeks can turn the season around. Bethune-Cookman and Central Michigan at Hard Rock Stadium the next two weeks will be critical for Miami.

The game against the Chippewas will be followed by a bye week and then home games against Georgia Tech, Virginia and Virginia Tech. It’s unprecedented five-game homestand. Miami might need to win five straight home games to stay in the race to win the ACC Coastal. The Hurricanes have critical mistakes to correct.

In the season opener, 10 sacks by Florida, 14 Miami penalties for 125 yards, critical mistakes on special teams, the inability to get off the field on fourth down and failure to convert four turnovers into points all played a role in the Hurricanes 24-20 loss to Florida. Some of those errors were corrected against UNC.

Miami was able to correct some of the errors against Florida versus North Carolina. The Hurricanes offensive line was exceptionally better against North Carolina than they were against Florida. The Tar Heels managed just four sacks. Three of those were by linebacker Tomon Fox. Miami halved their penalties but still need to improve.

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