Maybe the Miami Hurricanes were still feeling the effects of their emotional loss to Florida State a week ago. Or maybe North Carolina is a better team.
Whatever the reason, the ‘Canes lost to the Tar Heels 20-13 at Hard Rock Stadium. As the game ended silently in the rain, Miami saw their promising start take a hit as they tumbled to their second straight loss.
The first half was a combination of Miami coming out flat and the Tar Heels ready to play. After their humiliating 34-3 home loss to Virginia Tech a week ago, North Carolina was ready to make amends.
They ran out to a 20-3 halftime lead behind quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another 47 yards. Bug Howard had 150 yards receiving and T.J. Logan gained 84 yards on the ground.
“It’s a huge bounc-eback game for us, coming down on the road against a very good opponent,” said Trubisky.
Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya was visibly frustrated on the sideline. He was only 16 for 31 passing, good for 224 yards, but no touchdowns.
Joseph Yearby scored Miami’s only touchdown, a two-yard run in the third quarter as they tried to get back into the game. Despite a much better effort in the second half, they were unable to get over the top.
The Tar Heels’ victory gave them a 2-0 record in the state of Florida this year. Two weeks ago, they edged Florida State on a last-second field goal.
The Hurricanes (4-2) do not have long to get over this disappointment. They travel to Blacksburg, Va. To face the Virginia Tech Hokies on Thursday night. Virginia Tech will be trying to bounce back from an upset loss to Syracuse on Saturday.
