University of North Carolina Athletics
Lucas: New 'Canes Visit Heels
October 26, 2004 | Football
Oct. 26, 2004
By Adam Lucas
When coaches and player representatives from the 11 Atlantic Coast Conference schools assembled in Greensboro in late July, it was the fashion choices of one of the University of Miami delegates that caused the most murmurs.
That's no surprise. After all, this is the school that gave us their camouflage-draped appearance at the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, Luther Campbell and 2 Live Crew roaming the sidelines, and nine unsportsmanlike conduct penalties--two before the opening kickoff--in the 1991 Cotton Bowl.
But head coach Larry Coker didn't cause a stir at ACC media day because he was wearing camouflage. He was wearing a suit and tie.
Understand that in this setting, being dressed up usually qualifies as putting on some socks with your golf shoes. But there sat Coker, tie knotted, pleasantly fielding the media's questions.
To the 18-to-22-year-olds who make up Carolina's roster, that's the image they have of Saturday night's homecoming opponent. Many weren't even in elementary school when the `Canes pulled their notorious camouflage stunt before their Fiesta Bowl game against Penn State. Their perception of Miami has less to do with off-the-field antics and much more to do with the formidable challenge they present on the field.
"I think of great athletes and speed," fullback Madison Hedgecock said.
And that's the main calling card of the Hurricanes these days. Pick your imposing stat: they've allowed a total of just 23 points in the first quarter this year. Opponents are averaging only 15.8 points per game. The `Canes didn't allow a sack against the pressure-happy NC State defense in Saturday's 45-31 victory.
The speed is especially telling on special teams. That's where teams usually stash their raw, young athletes until they have room for them on the two-deep. Carolina's deficiency in the speed department was a big reason for their 2002 struggles; as they've improved their team speed, special teams improvements have followed.
But Miami's figures are gaudy. The longest punt return against them this season is nine yards, with opponents averaging just 2.9 yards per return. An example of their depth: Devin Hester is the team's third-leading scorer but doesn't have a carry or a catch this season--he's racked up three touchdowns on punt returns and another on a 100-yard kickoff return against the Pack.
"I thought Florida State was pretty fast, but they're faster than Florida State," safety Gerald Sensabaugh said.
Sometimes, speed and quickness are football code words for a lack of physical play. That's not the case with Miami, which features an offense Sensabaugh called "probably the simplest we've seen."
"I expect them to try and run it right down our throats," head coach John Bunting said.
They'll try to attack a Tar Heel team still nursing some injuries. The bye week allowed some healing, as roughly half of the walking wounded went through a light practice Monday evening. That group included Darian Durant, who is on the mend from a sprained elbow and did some light throwing Monday, a routine he'll gradually increase as the week progresses. Larry Edwards remains at middle linebacker this week. He caught a break in his first few days at the position, as the Heels played plenty of nickel coverage against Utah, but he'll see more of the base package this week.
The tailback situation remains murky, as the uncertain status of Jacque Lewis's back and Ronnie McGill's ankle means Hedgecock will continue to get repetitions at both tailback and fullback in advance of Saturday night's 7 p.m. kickoff.
Night games have proven popular at Kenan Stadium this year, as the Heels have posted victories over Georgia Tech and NC State under the lights. But the Hurricanes are 22-2 at night in the Coker era.
"What a challenge it is," Bunting said. "And what a reward it would be to play extremely well and have a chance to win the game."
Adam Lucas is the publisher of Tar Heel Monthly and can be reached at alucas@tarheelmonthly.com. His book on Roy Williams's first season at Carolina, Going Home Again, is now available in bookstores. To subscribe to Tar Heel Monthly or learn more about the book, click here.
