Colleges

Miami scouting report

By IZZY GOULD, Times Staff Writer
Published October 6, 2007

Miami (4-1, 1-0 ACC) at North Carolina (1-4, 0-2), noon

This 11th meeting between these schools takes on added significance with UNC coach Butch Davis facing his former team for the first time. Davis coached the Hurricanes from 1995-2000 and is credited with rescuing the Hurricanes from arguably the darkest period in program history. At North Carolina, the challenge is to turn a program into a perennial contender for the ACC championship. Last week's 17-10 loss to then-No. 17 Virginia Tech showed Davis is making progress, but just one win in five games shows there's plenty of work ahead. The Tar Heels can take a big step with a win against Miami. The 'Canes have never won in Chapel Hill, but first-year coach Randy Shannon has rallied the team after a 38-point loss at then-No. 3 Oklahoma to reel off three consecutive wins. Last week's 24-14 win against Duke was a little too close for comfort. Miami quarterback Kyle Wright has settled in after three starts throwing last week for 230 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Defensively, Miami ranks fourth nationally in sacks, averaging four per game. The unit also leads the ACC in total defense allowing just 290 yards per game. That number could dip against a Tar Heels team that averages 88.4 yard per carry, which ranks 107th nationally.

[Last modified October 5, 2007, 20:57:51]