Richt: Big plays making a difference

CORAL GABLES — Miami struggled to move the ball Saturday in its ugly 24-19 win over North Carolina. The Hurricanes couldn’t sustain drives and were forced to punt eight times in a game they were favored to win by three touchdowns.

But while North Carolina outgained Miami, Hurricanes coach was encouraged by his offense’s ability to turn in big plays when it needed to, including a 78-yard touchdown pass to a 51-yard touchdown pass to and a 49-yard pass to

touchdown 8 p.m., ABC

Mark Richt Jeff Thomas, Chris Herndon DeeJay Dallas Braxton Berrios Next game:

that led to a two plays later.

Yes, Richt would like the Hurricanes to find ways to sustain drives against a stalwart Virginia Tech defense on Saturday. But if big plays continue, Richt said he’s confident Miami will be successful.

“It’s good we’ve got playmakers. It’s good we’ve got a scheme that breaks guys out and give them opportunities to make plays on-on-one,” Richt said Monday on WQAM-560. “What a lot of defenses are trying to do is pack the box and play a lot of man coverage, and we have to have guys that can make plays . ... It’s better than not making big plays and not scoring touchdowns.”

UM defensive tackle was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week after he recorded a career-high 11 tackles during Miami’s win over UNC. He also had a tackle for loss and broke up a pass.

No. 9 UM vs. No. 13 Virginia Tech, Saturday,

RJ McIntosh