UNC vs. Miami: Preview, prediction and more

UNC and Miami will meet in Florida on Saturday in a big ACC Coastal Division Game

To say Saturday’s game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Miami Hurricanes is a big one, is an understatement.

There’s a lot on the line in Coral Gables, with both teams trailing the Virginia Tech Hokies in the standings.

Both teams are coming off a loss, their first in conference play, and desperately need a win.

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back T.J. Logan (8) runs the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Tar Heels beat the Hurricanes in their meeting in 2015, a convincing 59-21 win in Chapel Hill towards the end of the season. But this is a different Miami team and an improved one.

Miami’s only loss this season was last week to Florida State at home after the Seminoles blocked a the extra point late in the game, which would have tied it. Their offense is improved, led by quarterback Brad Kaaya.

But Kaaya has some help back there.

Running back Mark Walton has been a force in the Hurricanes backfield, recording 484 yards on 77 attempts and 8 touchdowns on the season. The duo gives Miami the chance to put up a lot of points and in a hurry.

Entering Saturday’s game, the Hurricanes have outscored opponents 45-0 in the first quarter this season.

It’s very important for the Tar Heels to get off to a good start and put points on the board early.

More importantly, the offense has to play better.

The Tar Heels are coming off a poor offensive performance in their loss to Virginia Tech last week in which quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw his first two interceptions on the year. They were also missing top back Elijah Hood.

Hood is expected to return on Saturday and could have a nice day against Miami’s defense. The Hurricanes defense is very vulnerable and is something the Tar Heels can take advantage of.

Both Hood and Trubisky will need to be on their games to beat Miami on Saturday.

Here’s what you need to know…

WHAT? UNC at Miami
WHEN? Saturday, October 15, at 3:30 p.m. ET
WHERE? Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida
TV? ABC/ESPN 2. Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Tom Luginbill (sideline).
RADIO? Tar Heel Sports Network. Jones Angell (play-by-play), William Henderson (analyst) and Lee Pace (sideline)
WEATHER? High of 86 degrees with a 40 percent chance of rain.
ALL-TIME SERIES? UNC leads 10-9.
LAST MEETING? UNC def. Miami 59-21.
BETTING LINE? Miami – 8.5
PREDICTION? Miami wins 36-31.

Make sure you check back with Keeping It Heel for postgame coverage regarding the game.