Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Defense not perfect, but just good enough
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — As a whole, Miami’s defense gave up more than a few big plays, including a late North Carolina touchdown that made things more uncomfortable than the Hurricanes would have liked.
But after another close win — this one, 24-19, over the struggling Tar Heels — once again, Hurricanes defenders got plenty of credit from their offensive teammates for keeping things close on a day when Miami struggled to move the ball.
“We go through ups and downs together, so it’s not like it’s a divided house whatsoever, but of course, it’s frustrating for the offense when we see them doing all we can, making all these plays and we can’t convert,” Hurricanes receiver Braxton Berrios said Saturday. “I’m sure it’s frustrating for them to make those plays, have that momentum going and we can’t convert. It’s something we need to figure out and we need to get right. The good thing is we’re undefeated. We’re still where we need to be in the season and in the Coastal [Division], especially. We’ve survived, but it needs to change.”
Against North Carolina, the Hurricanes forced four turnovers, including three interceptions of Tar Heels third-string quarterback Nathan Elliott. There was also a fumble recovery by Jaquan Johnson that sealed the win.
But none of the four turnovers led to points for the Hurricanes, who saw multiple drives sputter against the Tar Heels. Even in the game’s opening minutes, when Miami’s goalline stand kept North Carolina from scoring a firstand-goal from the 1-yard line, the Hurricanes couldn’t channel the momentum of a big defensive play into points.
Still, there were plenty of things for the Hurricanes defenders to be proud of on Saturday. Johnson and defensive tackle RJ McIntosh each had a game-high 11 tackles, with an emotional Johnson taking the field just four days after the death of his grandfather.
And his teammates Michael Jackson, Sheldrick Redwine and Charles Perry each got to wear Miami’s famed Turnover Chain, drawing cheers from the good amount of Hurricanes fans that filled the area behind Miami’s bench at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Still, like their teammates on the offensive side of the ball, Miami’s defenders want better, especially with a key Coastal Division matchup against Virginia Tech looming.
“I think we’re playing good, but there are some things we have to work on,” McIntosh said. “I think if we continue to strive to get better, we will get better.”