Playing a top-ranked team is never easy, but on Halloween night in Kenan Stadium, the UNC football team put a scare into Miami (FL) for 60 minutes.
Anchored by an offense that totaled 407 yards, North Carolina wore down Miami's defense with 35 points across the final three quarters. Tar Heels quarterback Billy Edwards enjoyed the best game of his 5-year career, completing 28 passes to nine different receivers, for 341 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.
The Hurricanes strip-sacked Edwards on a potential, game-winning drive with approximately five minutes left, spoiling any upset attempt in UNC's 38-35 loss.
After Saturday's defeat, Edwards highlighted how North Carolina (4-4, 2-3 ACC) moved the football so efficiently against Miami's solid
defense.
"On every pass, knowing "Hey, every guy can do it," Edwards said. "He can throw on the back side, any guy can get the ball. Boomer (Nyqir Helton) had some good catches, Trech (Kekahuna) getting in there. I think the running backs did a great job with catches on the screens or checkdowns. I think we just saw everybody stay engaged, I think part of that is me trying to keep them engaged. We’re spreading the ball around, getting everyone involved. Their play’s coming and they gotta be ready for it.”
Edwards connected with his two favorite targets, Tar Heels tight end Jelani Thurman and wide receiver Jordan Shipp, for a combined 114 yards and three touchdowns. Thurman caught each of UNC's first half touchdowns, Shipp gave his team an early second-half lead and, on one final comeback attempt, Kekahuna snagged his first touchdown in Carolina Blue with 1:38 remaining.
The Tar Heels' next opponent, UConn, allows 249.1 passing yards per game. Can Edwards help North Carolina snap its 2-game skid and move one win from bowl eligibility?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Billy Edwards stars with career game in UNC's near-upset of Miami (FL)
