4) Getting off to poor starts
North Carolina scored on their first three drives of the game. The Tar Heels excited the first quarter with a 17-3 lead. Through two weeks Miami has been outscored 24-6 in the opening 15 minutes. The Hurricanes defense was exceptional after that until the final drive. You cannot bury yourself into that kind of hole.
North Carolina ended the first quarter with a 171-47 advantage in total yards. Florida had a 105 to 62-yard advantage in the first quarter. The Miami defense has recovered to keep Miami in the game through the final three quarters. Long pass plays late in the game also hindered them. Miami has to get off to better starts.
5) Getting off the field on fourth down
The conversion by North Carolina on fourth and 17 came on the (Tar) heels of Florida going four for four on fourth down in the season opener. One of Florida’s fourth-down conversions came on a fake punt. If Miami cannot get off the field on fourth down it is going to halt momentum for the entire team.
There were reports of resentment by the Miami defense towards the offense last season. This year the blame in the two losses is equal if not more on the defense. The Hurricanes offense was good against North Carolina. The offense has to start games better. Staying together as a team will be critical.