The Miami Hurricanes and the North Carolina Tarheels will end their annual rivalry this season. In 2004, Miami vs. North Carolina would not be close to a rivalry. But, North Carolina has owned Miami in this rivalry since the start. Miami fans wanted to be in the Atlantic Coast conference so they could be part of rivalries.
From the article, “The Psychology of Sports Rivalries“, Sigmund Freud explains why rivals are created. ” In short, competing teams don’t want to lose to one another. The West Virginia-Pitt rivalry, “Backyard Brawl” is a great example. That loss would mean a loss of confidence and security. The University of Miami has the great football tradition while, North Carolina has enjoyed more recognition in basketball.
Canes-Tarheels rivalry breakdown
Since the two teams started annual play in 2004, the Tarheels have outscored the Hurricanes 243-198.
Miami has more players get drafted to the NFL than Carolina, since 2004, 41-26.
North Carolina has won more times in Miami (4), than the Hurricanes have won at Kenan Stadium (3).
Notable moments in Canes-Tarheels rivalry:
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October 2004
- The Hurricane defense gave up 545 total yards albeit against a less-talented Tarheel team. They couldn’t stop the final Carolina drive for a game winning Field Goal to lose 31-28.
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October 2012
- Stephen Morris throws two INT’s and Giovani Bernard runs for two scores. The Hurricane defense gave up 486 yards in an 18-14 defeat.
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October 2016
- Miami didn’t get any pressure on Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Wide Receiver Bug Howard torched the Miami secondary for 10 catches and 156 yards and North Carolina upset Miami 20-13.
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October 2017
- Undefeated Miami outfought North Carolina to win 24-19. Malik Rosier had a great performance, throwing for 356 yards and three touchdowns.
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December 2020
- North Carolina obliterated Miami 62-26. Javonte Williams and Michael Carter, together, ran for over 500 yards against the Miami defense. Miami was on a four game winning streak in the Coastal division. They ended up canceling their bowl game due in part to the loss.
Next season, the Hurricanes will play the Tarheels every other year with one game at North Carolina, the other in Miami Gardens. Miami’s annual games will be vs. Florida State, Boston College and Louisville. The Tarheels annual games will be Duke, N.C. State and Virginia.
Let us never forget these games and wake up “the legends and myths created” every time they play in the future.
