The Miami Hurricanes had two weeks to prepare for their first ACC matchup of the season against North Carolina. After an embarrassing 45-31 loss to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, the Hurricanes are hungry for a win.
As it stands, the Coastal Division has been relatively weak. A win for either team would be critical, as the top team in the division can contend for the ACC Championship. The Tar Heels have the advantage over the Hurricanes after securing a conference win vs. Virginia Tech. If Miami looks to contend in the ACC, they need a win against North Carolina.
In their last three matchups, the Canes have lost to the Tar Heels. This year can be no different, as North Carolina boasts one of the deadliest passing offenses in the league. Miami can win, but to do so, they must focus on their keys to victory.
Control the Clock
In Miami’s last three matchups, they have led with time of possession, as the Canes are averaging 33 minutes and 45 seconds. Against a high scoring offense, limiting their time of possession will help Miami control the tempo of the game.
The key to get the clock running is to run the football. Miami averages 178.5 rushing yards a game, with 4.3 yards per attempt. With their top two running backs returning from injury, the Canes will get the chance to run the clock down and put points on the board.
Get TVD comfortable
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke needs to find his rhythm in this Josh Gattis offensive system.
Van Dyke is off to a slow start in 2022, averaging only 202 yards per game while completing 59.3 percent of his passes while tossing four touchdowns and three interceptions.
Van Dyke has a chance to redeem himself, as he plays a poor North Carline defense. The Tar Heels are allowing 257 yards per game, which ranks 13th out of the 14 ACC teams. They rank 14th in the ACC and 119th nationally in pass defensive efficiency. according to PFF, the Tar Heels grade out as the 58th best coverage team amongst Power Five schools.
Tyler Van Dyke needs to find a rhythm and gain confidence in Gattis’ system. The Tar Heels defense presents him an opportunity to improve in the passing
Pressure the offense
Miami’s defensive line showed what it can do when facing premier SEC talent, as they recorded three sacks, six tackles for loss, three Qb hurries, and multiple pressures against Texas A&M.
Leonard Taylor will be playing on Sunday’s pic.twitter.com/5lDkoBJUG3
— Marsh Cristobal🤟🏽 (@hurricanesmarsh) September 23, 2022
According to PFF they’re re ranked as the 33rd best defensive front in the country. The Tar Heels are ranked as the 90th best offensive line in the country, and in just five games, they have given up nine sacks and 15 Qb hurries.
Having pass rush unit that will constantly get to the Qb will help Miami mitigate the Tar Heels explosive pass plays.
Mitigate explosive passing plays
In their loss to MTSU, Miami gave up 408 passing yards to the Blue raiders, along with four, 60+ yard plays, with three resulting in touchdowns. Miami’s secondary struggled against a Group of Five passing offense and needs to take the step up against one of the top offenses in college football.
— wow that was crazy (@CowardlyDoggo) September 24, 2022
North Carolina has one of the best quarterbacks in college football in redshirt freshman Drake Maye. The Carolina native is tied for the national lead with 19 touchdown passes, is seventh in passing yards per game at 318.8 and fourth in quarterback rating at 187.6. He is coming off his second ACC quarterback of the week honor and his third ACC rookie of the week honor after a 41-10 win over Virginia Tech. He has a throws the ball very accurately, and has been able to connect with his receivers while on the move.
The Canes have talent in their secondary but they need to stick to their assignments and be disciplined when it comes to not give up big plays. With cornerback Tyrique Stevenson being cleared to play, Miami’s secondary will be at 100% against the Tar Heels. The Hurricanes must prevent big plays if they hope to win.