3 things we learned about UNC football in its key ACC Coastal Division win at Miami
North Carolina looks the part of ACC Coastal Division front-runner after its 27-24 win at Miami on Saturday. The Tar Heels (5-1, 2-0 ACC) are alone in first place, as the remaining six teams each have at least one loss.
Beating the Hurricanes (2-3, 0-1) — their fourth straight win in the series — came in a very different manner than the rest of their wins.
The Heels’ offense wasn’t operating as efficiently as it has all season, being held to a season-low point total and just two field goals in the second half. But the defense came through with another solid performance, building off last week’s 41-10 win over Virginia Tech.
“When we cannot play our best and still win on the road against Miami, that’s a good sign,” UNC Mack Brown said. “That just means we’re getting where we want to go.”
Here’s what we learned from Carolina’s third road win of the season:
Maye faced his most adversity
UNC quarterback Drake Maye had his confidence rattled a bit by Miami after throwing consecutive interceptions on attempts to end the first half and start the second half. Maye’s decision making has been part of why the redshirt freshman has had such a great start, but both picks were uncharacteristic.
The first half pick, he was trying to connect with Bryson Nesbit up the seam with 28 seconds left.
“I told Bryson I make that throw all time in practice,” Maye said. “I just have got to get him better ball.”
The second half pick, he was trying to go deep to J.J. Jones when he threw it too far inside and the safety came over.
“I just got to put it over the top, I left it inside,” Maye said. “That’s just a bad decision.”
Miami did a lot to force Maye’s interceptions. The Canes rotated a lot on the defensive line and they were able to keep up the pressure on passing downs. Carolina entered the game having only allowed nine sacks, but the Canes got to Maye five times.
Brown said he didn’t need to have an extended discussion with Maye to get him to bounce back.
“I told him keep his head up,” Brown said. “He’s one of the best players in the country so everybody gonna have a bad throw every now and then.”
Maye finished 19 of 28 attempts for 309 yards and two touchdowns, but he said, “I felt like I threw for like 98 yards or something.”
Cedric Gray really likes Miami
Linebacker Cedric Gray had two interceptions last season against Miami, including the game-clincher off a tipped pass. Saturday, Gray made a couple of big plays that helped lead to the win.
The Canes were down 24-17 and driving to tie the game at the UNC 26. Running back Jaylan Knighton had the first down and was nine yards down the field when Gray punched the ball free and the fumble was recovered by Gio Biggers.
“I wouldn’t say it was intentional,” Gray said. “... When I was tackling I definitely came in with a little, kind of a punch. I mean, it’s fourth and 1, you gotta meet force with force and I just happened to got my hand on the ball and it popped out.”
Gray led a defensive effort that held Miami to just 41 yards rushing, which was a new season low for the Heels. Gray finished with 13 tackles and two quarterback hurries.
“Cedric’s our most valuable player on defense right now,” Brown said.
Running back roles are being defined
Carolina started Caleb Hood for the second straight game and he delivered 74 yards on 13 carries. Freshman Omarion Hampton logged 15 carries for 36 yards.
It may not necessarily stay the same the rest of the season, but for now it looks like Hood and Hampton will get the bulk of rushing attempts. Against Miami, Junior D.J. Jones only appeared on passing downs and freshman George Pettaway did not play on offense.
Brown and UNC offensive coordinator Phil Longo have been saying they want two backs to emerge as their featured running backs in order to give those players a chance to get into a rhythm carrying the ball.
“I feel like this week we were just kind of taking what the offensive line gave us and trying to do the best we could with our athletic ability,” Hood said.
The Heels improved their first down runs against the Canes with 19 carries for 97 yards, averaging 5.1 per attempt.
This story was originally published October 9, 2022 at 7:10 AM with the headline "3 things we learned about UNC football in its key ACC Coastal Division win at Miami."