Carolina kept its two game lead in the ACC Coastal Division with a 38 point win over Miami in Chapel Hill.
The Heels played a messy first quarter but turned it on in the second quarter to take a 31-0 lead into the halftime break. Carolina's defense defined the first half forcing three turnovers, including a 60 yard interception return by Jeff Schoettmer on his Senior day. Marquise Williams did the most damage with his legs in the first half, recording 82 yards and two scores on nine carries in the first 30 minutes of his last home start. Williams was not as stellar through the air, posting only 7 completions on 12 attempts for only 42 yards. The Heels' excellent first half was punctuated by a Ryan Switzer punt return for a touchdown and a strip sack of Miami's quarterback Brad Kaaya to end the half.
The Heels came out of the half firing on all cylinders with two quick touchdown drives before Miami put up their first points of the day to make the score 45-7. Carolina lost cornerback Des Lawrence on that drive and the Heels' pass defense notably slowed after that. Carolina immediately answered with a scoring drive of their own to put the Heels over 50 points on the day. The Hurricanes then put together a drive that spanned the third and fourth quarters, ending in a Brad Kaaya 4th and goal sneak for a touchdown. All of Miami's efforts were nothing more than symbolic. Mitch Trubisky played the fourth quarter as Carolina coasted to a 38 point win.
Quick Notes:
Carolina's rushing attack was dominant during meaningful minutes. Through three quarters the Heels averaged 7.7 yards per carry with both Elijah Hood and Marquise Williams carrying the ball for more than 100 yards in three quarters of action. The Heels had one rushing touchdown from Hood, three from Williams and one from T.J. Logan. Before the backups had their run of play when Charles Brunson added another rushing touchdown.
Ryan Switzer returned a punt for a score in the second quarter. It was Switzer's second return for a touchdown this season and his seventh career punt return for a touchdown. Switzer is one return short of tying the all-time record.
Carolina's defense held Miami to 2.7 yards per rush in meaningful action, the Heels' best mark against an FBS school so far this season.
Statistical Highlights:
Marquise Williams: 11-16 passing 1 TD | 12 carries for 101 yards 3 TDs 8.4 yards per carry
Elijah Hood: 17 carries 132 yards 1 TD 7.8 yards per carry
Jeff Schoettmer: 7 tackles, 1 INT, 60 interception return yards
Mitch Trubisky (in garbage time): 5-5 84 yards | 3 rushes for 13 yards
