North Carolina Tar Heels vs Miami Hurricanes Preview

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The North Carolina Tar Heels may be #23 in the College Football Playoff Rankings, but they should be just a little worried. The last time the Miami Hurricanes visited Tobacco Road, they came away with a win on the strangest of circumstances that saw a referee crew suspended. Miami would love to win again and play a little spoiler to another Coastal front runner.

The North Carolina Tar Heels on the other hand need to avoid the trap they ran into the last time they beat Duke solidly. They need to avoid complacency. A trip to Charlotte could be locked up tomorrow if they can win and Pitt loses to the Blue Devils. Miami is head coachless, but sport a 2-0 record in those games.

Opponent: Miami Hurricanes (6-3, 3-2 ACC)
Date: November 14
Time: 3:30 PM
TV: ESPNU
Venue: Kenan Stadium

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The biggest difference between the Miami team that played Duke and the one the Heels will face tomorrow is Brad Kaaya. The sophomore quarterback has returned to his team and should energize the passing game. If Thomas Sirk could find rushing lanes, then perhaps Kaaya might leak out as well.

That could be dangerous if the Heels cannot stop Joseph Yearby at running back and the play action game becomes a factor. Yearby could join a list of runners who have taken a hundred yards or more from the Heels. That list includes Jela Duncan among others.

On offense the Tar Heels need to continue to utilize the balance that has gotten them this far. Matching the running of Marquise Williams and Elijah Hood to the receiving antics of Quinshad Davis and his friends has worked thus far and there is no reason to stop now. That will mean getting another good game from the offensive line, which has played well all season.

Next: Charlotte-UTSA Preview

The Tar Heels have shown what they can do with adversity, but what can they do with success?

Prediction: 30-20, North Carolina