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UNC Football: Miami (FL) Preview

By Christian Candeloro

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a score against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a score against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Who: North Carolina Tar Heels (1-0) vs Miami (FL) Hurricanes (0-1)
When: Saturday September 7, 2019 – 8:00 P.M. EST
Where: Kenan-Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C.
TV channel: ACC Network
Live stream: Fubo TV
Line: Miami (FL) -5.5
Weather: Clear, 78°at kickoff

Last Week:
UNC defeated South Carolina 24-21

Miami (FL) had a bye after starting the year in Week 0 against Florida (lost 24-20)

One Player to Watch on Miami (FL):

Redshirt freshman quarterback Jarren Williams

How can the answer not be Williams? He looked electric against the Florida Gators in the opening game of the season, completing19 of 29 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions. He won the job in the preseason and showed why, nearly willing the Hurricanes to a victory despite being chased all night long by the Gators’ defensive line.

UNC’s defense is not Florida’s and Williams will have a chance to let it fly on Saturday. Keep an eye on him and whether his offensive line can keep him upright.

ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 24: Jarren Williams #15 of the Miami Hurricanes looks to pass in the first half against the Florida Gators in the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Orlando, Florida.(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 24: Jarren Williams #15 of the Miami Hurricanes looks to pass in the first half against the Florida Gators in the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Orlando, Florida.(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

If North Carolina Wins:

The hype train will have officially left the station and the Mack Brown hire will be deemed an early massive win. The Tar Heels will also be favored to go 4-0, which could set up a ranked match-up at home against the Clemson Tigers. The Tar Heels would also launch to the top of the charts as a co-favorite with Virginia to win the Coastal. Miami (FL) might not end up being that great of a team but this would be a big win for the Tar Heels.

If North Carolina Loses:

This answer is entirely dependent on how the Tar Heels lose. I’m not a big fan of moral victories, but if the Tar Heels lose by a field goal late, then it will be a moral victory for UNC and another signal that they are moving in the right direction under Mack Brown. If they are blown out, then our expectations for this team will have to come down, as it would prove that the win over South Carolina was just the Gamecocks being bad.

Prediction:

Miami (FL) is an incredibly talented team and will give the Tar Heels a run for their money in Chapel Hill. A match-up of two freshman quarterbacks is an exciting prospect and both teams will likely light up the scoreboard. I have UNC losing in a shootout late.

Miami (FL) 45 UNC 38

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