Miami football getting off to good start critical versus North Carolina
The Miami football team enters their game at North Carolina on Saturday with a four-game losing streak to the Tar Heels. Inside the U wrote on Friday that Miami has led for only 6:30 over North Carolina in the last four meetings. North Carolina is averaging 26 points per game in the first half in those four games.
The Miami football team has averaged 14.25 points in the first half in the last four games versus North Carolina. The Tar Heels are 10th nationally averaging 20.6 PPG in the first half this season. Miami is 39th averaging 16.0 PPG in the first half. Miami cannot afford to fall far behind entering halftime at North Carolina.
North Carolina is 62nd nationally averaging 13.4 PPG in the second half. Miami is fourth nationally averaging 20.8 PPG in the second half. Miami is sixth nationally allowing 6.8 PPG in the first half. North Carolina is 37th at 10.2 PPG. Miami is 34th allowing 9.8 points in the second half and UNC is 14th at 7.4.
North Carolina has a vastly improved defense in 2023. The Tar Heels are 30th allowing 19.0 PPG this season. North Carolina was 102nd allowing 30.8 PPG in 2022. The Tar Heels are 34th nationally allowing 334.6 total yards per game. North Carolina is 41st versus the pass and 54th against the run.
Miami vs North Carolina is one of the biggest games on the week seven College Football slate 🏈@LateKickJosh breaks down the matchup and several keys he feels will decide the outcome.
— 247Sports (@247Sports) October 13, 2023
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The defensive numbers for North Carolina are not as good as the points per game indicate. North Carolina ranks 30th nationally with a plus-three turnover margin. That’s a 0.6 turnover margin per game. Miami is 53rd nationally with a turnover margin of plus one. Miami was minus three last week versus Georgia Tech.
The other aspect to watch is the penalties. Miami is 121st averaging 70.8 penalty yards per game. The Hurricanes are 109th averaging 7.2 penalties per game. North Carolina is 54th averaging 48.0 penalty yards per game but just 33rd averaging 5.0 penalties per game. Miami cannot afford another game of self-destruction.
Next. Miami at UNC features arguably ACCs 2 best QBs. dark
Miami had a TD called back last week versus Georgia Tech. Expect Shannon Dawson to establish the run for Miami on offense. Containing North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye and making someone else beat them will likely be the focus for Lance Guidry and the Miami defense. A good start is essential for Miami.