UNC Football: Key players to watch against the Miami Hurricanes

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 22: Antonio Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels breaks through the Pittsburgh Panthers defensive line during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 01: Chase Garbers #7 of the California Golden Bears is tackled by Malik Carney #53 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Malik Carney

While the UNC football team loses Tomon Fox, who begins serving his suspension, they will be getting Malik Carney back from his. The defensive end is a key contributor to this defense and they will need a strong game from him right out of the gate.

Carney was eligible to play in the Tar Heels’ first game of the season against Cal and made the most of it. He finished that game with eight tackles and 2.5 sacks. This is the type of performance they will need against the Hurricanes.

While the Hurricanes have relied on the run game, they did show some life in their passing game against FIU. Head coach Mark Richt elected to put N’Kosi Perry into the game and he responded with 225 passing yards and three touchdowns.

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If the Hurricanes do start Perry, the pressure Carney brings will be even more important to the UNC football team’s attempt at pulling the upset in Miami.

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