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3 Biggest X-Factors For UNC To Pull Off Upset of Miami
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- 3 Biggest X-Factors For UNC To Pull Off Upset of Miami
(Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images)
The North Carolina Tar Heels are coming off a tough loss last week to the Syracuse Orange, derailing all the momentum that the team had built.
The Tar Heels now sit with a record of 4-3 on the year, going 2-2 in ACC play so far this season. But North Carolina has played better at times than what the record shows, giving the team some needed confidence entering this week.
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North Carolina will be hosting the No. 1-ranked Miami Hurricanes this week, offering the team a chance to make a massive statement. Miami comes into the game with a record of 7-0 on the year, going 5-0 so far in ACC games.
If the Tar Heels could find a way to get a win over the Hurricanes, it could propel this program. But this will be a major challenge for the team , especially given how strong Miami has been this season.
Here are three of the bigger X-Factors for the Tar Heels to somehow get the upset this week:
1. Pressure Miami's Top Offense
The Hurricanes come into the game with the top offense in the country, averaging 551.9 yards per game this year. The team is led by star quarterback Darian Mensah , who has thrown for 2,151 yards with 22 touchdowns and one interception this season.
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The Tar Heels, led by their strong pass rush, will need to pressure Mensah throughout the game, not allowing him to get into any rhythm. This will be much easier said than done, and will pose a major challenge to this North Carolina team.
2. Stay Disciplined With Penalties
One area that North Carolina has done well this year is limiting penalties during games. The Tar Heels come into the game ranked No. 4 in the country, only allowing 31.7 yards per game.
Against Miami, the Tar Heels can't beat themselves, and this team will need to stay the course. This could at least give North Carolina a better chance to pull off the upset this week.
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3. Can Billy Edwards Jr. Step Up?
All season for the Tar Heels, one of the bigger question marks has come from quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and his play. Edwards has done alright for this team, throwing for 1,531 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions, but the unit needs more from the starter.
Against the top-ranked Hurricanes, Edwards is going to have to push the ball down the field, trying to keep up with the Miami offensive attack. If Edwards can step up to put together a strong performance, without any turnovers, this Tar Heels team could have a chance to pull off the upset.
