Game Analysis: #23 UNC 59- Miami 21

Carolina demolished another opponent at home on Saturday, eviscerating the Miami Hurricanes  to . The Heels started a bit slow and the passing offense never really got going. Carolina was lethal on the ground and Miami committed three first half turnovers to help the Heels to a 31-0 halftime lead. The Heels led 45-0 before the Canes scored their first points of the game and the offensive starters only played 3 quarters.

Key Thing We Learned:

Carolina is for Real:

Carolina played this game the same way Clemson played the Hurricanes in their famous 58-0 win that got Al Golden fired. The Heels beat up Miami on both lines of scrimmage, limiting the Canes to 2.7 yards per carry in meaningful action while Carolina averaged 7.7 yards per rush over the first three quarters. The biggest takeaway from this game is that the Heels played like the better team and outclassed their opponent. The Heels were better in every facet of the game on Saturday, playing professionally when the starters were on the field. Miami committed twelve penalties, the Heels had three. Carolina had no turnovers to Miami's three. The Heels' defense played shutdown defense until the game was out of hand and the Heels acted like a ranked team beating up on an unranked opponent at home.

Supplemental Discoveries:

The offense is as advertised:

If anyone thought the Heels' outburst last week was a flash in the pan, there are no doubts now. The Heels set a school record with 125 points in their past two games, breaking a record of 118 points set in 1914. The Heels have one of the best offenses in the country and they have showed it this season.

The Defense can Hang With Anyone:

Brad Kaaya was the best quarterback the Heels faced all season and before the Heels lost Des Lawrence for the rest of the game, Miami had no points on the board. The Heels limited Kaaya to 54.5% passing for 182 yards and one interception in the first half, by which point the Heels had already forced a non-competitive game. Kaaya is seen as one of the best quarterbacks in his class, and if the Heels can do this against him then they can do it against any passer in the country.

Carolina is either the best or second best team in the ACC:

Before this week there was a real argument among football pundits that Florida State was better than the Heels. Carolina has now played enough common opponents that its now obvious that the Heels are better than the Seminoles. Without a collapse down the stretch, the Heels will get a shot at the ACC title against Clemson in Charlotte.