North Carolina big plays were a decisive factor defeating Miami football
Other than a negative four turnover margin the biggest reason the Miami football team lost 41-31 at North Carolina on Saturday were 11 North Carolina runs of 10 or more yards and eight pass plays of 15 or more yards. The big plays continued a trend versus North Carolina who won its fifth straight over Miami.
The Miami football team entered the game versus North Carolina fourth nationally allowing 11 runs of 10 or more yards through the first five games this season. North Carolina running back Omarrion Hampton almost equaled that by himself with seven carries of at least 10 yards versus Miami on Saturday night.
Hampton finished with 24 carries for 197 yards and a touchdown. Miami entered the game with the second-best run defense in the country allowing 58.20 yards per game. North Carolina ran for 235 yards on Saturday night. Miami allowed 291 rushing yards in their first four games.
North Carolina was the first team to run for over 100 yards against Miami this season. Hampton became the latest North Carolina RB to shred the Miami defense. North Carolina RBs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams combined for 544 yards rushing in a 62-26 Tar Heels win in 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium.
North Carolina wide receiver Tez Walker burned Miami for three receptions of at least 15 yards, all of which went for TDs. Walker finished with six receptions for 132 yards and the three TDs, plus two carries for 19 yards. One of those was a 20-yard run. North Carolina had seven plays for at least 20 yards.
Maye had completions of 27, 30, 33, 48 and 56 yards and three runs of 10 plus. Hampton had a long run of 60 yards in the fourth quarter. Hampton nearly had his second game of 200-plus rushing yards. Earlier this season Hampton had 26 carries for 234 yards and three TDs versus Appalachian State.
Next. North Carolina dominates third quarter defeating Miami. dark
Miami entered the game on Saturday night with one of the best pass defenses preventing completions of 10 and 20-plus yards this season. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry has a lot to clean up before Miami hosts Clemson next week. Clemson is not as explosive or productive as North Carolina offensively.