Game Information
On Saturday, December 12, the #10 ranked Miami Hurricanes will host the #17 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, in what will be the last game of the College Regular Season. This game will be at Hard Rock Stadium at 3:30 on ABC.
Preview
Miami is currently riding a 5 game win streak going into this one. The only loss they suffered was to Clemson way back on October 10. The Hurricanes sit at 3rd place in the ACC at 8-1. North Carolina is in 5th place in the ACC at 7-3. Although neither team can make the ACC championship game, this is still a top 20 matchup and both teams would like to add a ranked win to their schedule.
The Hurricanes and Tar Heels have played 21 games all-time against each other. The series is extremely close but the Canes have the lead at 11-10. The last time Miami and North Carolina faced off was last season on September 7 with UNC winning 28-25. Miami and UNC have a tendency of making things close.
Miami
The Hurricanes defense is one of the best in the ACC. Miami is only giving up an average of 22 points a game. Only Clemson and Notre Dame give up fewer points. Let’s not forget about Miami’s offense either. Led by D’eriq King, Miami averages 34.9 points a game and 445.8 yards a game. Miami is very strong on both sides of the ball including special teams. Kicker Jose Borrageles is 17-19 on field goals and leads the conference in percentage at 89.5%.
North Carolina
While Miami’s offense is good, the Tar Heels is better. North Carolina is averaging the second-most points in the ACC at 41.1 points a game. They lead the ACC in average yards a game at a whopping 534.5 yards. Quarterback Sam Howell leads the ACC in touchdown passes, total yards, and average yards per game. This North Carolina offense is electric and very high powering.
Author’s Prediction
North Carolina- 38 Miami- 31
This is going to be a very high scoring, offensive game. Both of these offenses are great, but the Tar Heels offense is absolutely elite. UNC has not had a game this season where they scored under 17 points. Miami will keep this game close and even have a lead a few times in this game. The difference in this game is Sam Howell. Sam Howell is a playmaker, and he will have a few big plays in this one to close out North Carolina’s season with a win.