University of North Carolina Athletics
Rapid Reactions: Miami
October 28, 2017 | Football, Featured Writers
1. Although that was perhaps North Carolina's best overall performance of the season, the Tar Heels' winless streak increased to six games with a 24-19 loss against No. 8 Miami.
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2. For the second time in as many games, Chazz Surratt exited with an injury. He took quite a shot midway through the first quarter on a late hit by Miami's Zach McCloud, who was flagged for roughing the passer. Wearing a helmet, Surratt warmed up on the UNC sideline a few times, but he never returned. His health will be worth monitoring this week.
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3. With Brandon Harris also sidelined with an injury, Nathan Elliott replaced Surratt. Elliott made the most of his opportunity, completing 16-of-39 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 79 yards. Although he tossed three interceptions – one of which came after his receiver slipped on his route – Elliott showed a lot of poise and toughness off the bench.
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4. Elliott did a good job of working the ball around, as 10 different players recorded a catch. Beau Corrales led the way with four catches for 64 yards and his first two touchdowns of his career – one of which came on a pass by Anthony Ratliff-Williams on a trick play.
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5. Jordon Brown provided a spark when he opened UNC's second offensive drive with a 56-yard run. The scamper accounted for more rushing yards than he's had in seven games and matched the longest by a Tar Heel this season. With Michael Carter out due to an injury, Brown finished the game with 88 yards on 19 carries. He also turned four receptions into 51 yards after not registering a catch over the past three games.
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6. But Brown's fumble with about two minutes left proved costly. It marked one of multiple squandered chances by the Tar Heels in Miami territory. UNC went 3-for-5 in the red zone, with its two unsuccessful attempts coming on a failed fourth-down conversion in the first quarter and a fake field goal attempt in the second.
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7. UNC's defense played well for a majority of the game, especially up front. The Hurricanes entered Saturday averaging 185.5 rushing yards, which ranked 46th nationally. But UNC held Miami to just 59 yards on the ground and got a lot of pressure on quarterback Malik Rosier.
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8. However, the Tar Heels were once again plagued by big plays. Miami completed passes of 42, 49, 51 and 78 yards. The game marked the third of the season that UNC surrendered two plays that went at least 50 yards – the others being the California and Louisville games.
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9. Of the Tar Heels' seven penalties, two stood out. Roscoe Johnson's unsportsmanlike just before halftime kept UNC from potentially putting more points on the board, and Patrice Rene's pass interference brought what a would-be interception by Myles Wolfolk late in the game.Â
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