North Carolina Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Miami Hurricanes should be reaping the rewards of a Mark Richt turnaround by the time this game arrives. The North Carolina Tar Heels could be just another team in their way by late October. Season two from Mark Richt should prove to be a lot more credible to his abilities.

The Hurricanes enter the season as this year’s ACC Coastal favorite. They return seven starters on defense and offense including four starters on the offensive line. With running back Mark Walton and Ahmmon Richards leading the way, they are sure to have gained national attention.

Walton rushed for 1,117 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2016. Richards broke Michael Irvin’s freshman record in receiving yards, catching 934 receiving yards of his own. He only caught three touchdowns last season but that’s sure to change in his sophomore season.

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The North Carolina Tar Heels have won two straight games against the Hurricanes but with Coach Richt a bit more acclimated to ACC play, it’s hard to foresee another dud. The Tar Heels could put up a good fight early but the defensive potential Miami possesses should blossom in this game.

The Hurricanes lost 20-13 to the Tar Heels last season as part of a four-game losing streak before winning five straight to finish last season. Miami will hope to avoid a similar fate in 2017, although the game feels like the Hurricanes could run away with this one.

Final: Miami 34, North Carolina 17 (5-4, 3-3 ACC)