North Carolina head coach Mack Brown could barely keep it together in his post-game interview following the Tar Heels’ 24-20 upset of South Carolina last Saturday in Charlotte.
After Brown’s team welcomed his return to the Carolina sidelines by overcoming an early 11-point deficit to outlast the Gamecocks, Ol’ Mackie declared that the Heels would “be the happiest team in the country tonight”.
Such was not the case for Miami after the Canes’ mistake-filled performance against Florida, wasting a strong defensive effort where the Gators could gain only 52 total yards rushing (1.9 YPR).
Yes, it’s a good thing human trafficking is frowned upon in Miami because new Canes HC Manny Diaz might have put his entire offensive line on the auction block after they allowed QB Jarren Williams to audition as a human piñata against the fierce Florida pass rush.
Somehow UNC’s defense managed to stifle South Cackalacky to the tune of 270 total yards while true freshman quarterback Sam Howell threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns (Heels with 483 total yards).
Both sides bring solid numbers to the fray. The Hurricanes are 10-0 SU and 5-1 ATS in Game Two off a loss, outscoring their last two foes 129-7).
Carolina counters with a recent 3-1 ATS series run and a 5-1 ATS record taking on an opponent with rest off a SU loss.
If you’re interested in Brown’s career numbers in this matchup, Ol’ Mackie has gone 23-3 SU in home openers (14-0 last fourteen) and 4-0 ATS as a conference home dog against foes coming off a loss.
Hang on, doesn’t our SMART BOX (PLAYBOOK NEWSLETTER page 3) forecast a Hurricane fade? We never argue with the
Sagacious Square, especially after seeing THE CLINCHER:
First-year head coaches are 10-1 ATS in Game Two conference games when coming off a win and facing a foe coming off a loss.
