Wrapping it Up: Miami Football Vs UNC Highlights, Quotes

Daylights saving afforded us all an extra hour of sleep this morning.

But with the performance the 'Canes put up yesterday, it's never too early to take a look back.

Miami now sits at 6-3 and 4-2 in the ACC with the Florida State Seminoles on deck, 11/15.

First the highlights:

Now the Quotes:

Miami Coach Al Golden

Opening Statement...

"Let me start by saying thanks to Jim Kelly and his family for coming. We’re very appreciative of him and what he means to the University of Miami. Obviously he’s in our thoughts and prayers and we wish him really well."

On the improved play of his defense over the last two games...

"I think it’s been the last three weeks. It was 41-13 against Cincinnati and I whole sale subbed. They’re playing hard right now. They’re tackling better, playing very unselfish right now, getting off the field on third down better. They’re making progress."

On the offense complementing defense with long drives...

"Finally. We’re doing it. We’re playing better as a team. There are a lot of things we still have to fix: we’re having trouble finishing some of these games because we don’t have any depth. We have so many injuries and our count is down to begin with. It puts you in a tough spot. We’re giving up some sloppiness late – we have to get that fixed. We’re playing better in all three phases, and our penalties were better the last two weeks."

On the timeliness of playing better with Florida State looming...

"It’s really going to be about us. We have to get better this week and worry about Florida State next week. For us right now, hopefully we got everyone out of here healthy. I thought that last weekend and we had something sneak up on us during the week. Hopefully everybody will check in tomorrow healthy. We’re doing a good job - wherever we play - focusing on us and being unselfish. All three phases, playing together and we’re practicing really well. We’re practicing hard right now."

On the difference in running back Duke Johnson, who has five straight 100-yard games...

"There’s a difference between a talented running back and a skilled running back. This guy is skilled right now. He has the experience and wisdom to know when to press, when to cut. He has always had the gifts for the second- and third-level plays - that’s what makes him special. But right now, the way he’s seeing it, his tracks are really good, there’s not a lot of cuts on air, he’s pressing the line of scrimmage well, he’s coachable, he’s practicing at a level that none of us have seen. And he’s stronger. He’s markedly stronger than he was at any point in his career. His play count is low. Just so we’re on the same page – his play count is low, but his production is high. He’s about 220 plays less than Denzel [Perryman] for the year. His play count is right where we want it, and his production is high."

On what he has seen as some of the reasons for recent success...

"No. 1, practice. We’ve been practicing. We’ve been getting practices in, we’re getting better. Right now, we’re competing at a higher level in practice. We’re blocking everything out, we’re focused and we’re improving. We’re not letting anything on the outside get inside. That’s hard to do. Right now we’re getting great leadership, and we’re coming to work every day. I thought we got better this week. I think head coaches are paranoid to begin with, but I was worried sick about this game coming off of last week and obviously looking at a team that was playing really well coming into our game. Really well. And putting a lot of points on the board. Good win."

On if his team is playing a more attacking style...

"We’re tackling better. I think we’re unselfish more. We’re fitting it, sending it to the unblocked guy. We’re finishing plays better, I don’t think there’s any question about it. We’ve gotten more depth as the season went on because Darrion Owens, [Jermaine] Grace, Chad Thomas and all those guys are starting to play more. The nose guards...you see Mike Wyche now, and Courtel [Jenkins] and Calvin [Herutelou]. We’re getting deeper as the season goes on, which is going to be important for us. Right now we’re practicing, we’re laying good tracks in practice and we’re bringing it to the game."

On the timeliness of the bye week...

"It is a good time. It’s a good time because we have to get caught up on academics, we have to get healthy. Last time I saw you, I did not know Ereck [Flowers’] status. Obviously he got hurt, had a procedure done and we’ll see when he returns. He’s not done for the season. Hopefully he’ll get back soon. Other than that, everybody else came out of there...early reports on Gus [Edwards] are that he’ll be okay. I think that’s it, really."

Denzel Perryman, Linebacker

On the recent defensive success...

"We are playing together and everyone is doing their jobs. We are all competing together and a job is a job."

On what has changed for the team in recent weeks...

"Our unity for both offense and defense. We are playing together and we have been successful. Everyone is doing the jobs they set out to do."

Deon Bush, Defensive Back

On what has changed for the team in recent weeks...

"Everyone is doing their job and being unselfish. Everyone is having a lot of fun and enjoying success. Guys have been stepping upafter the adversity of a couple of losses that humbled a lot of us. Everyone is being unselfish and trusting one another and helping each other out."

On the success of the pass rush against North Carolina...

"The defensive line is running really good stunts. The cornerbacks have been great at disguising their stunts that the quarterbackhas no idea they are coming. Coach D’Onofrio just dialed up a really good call and he knew their tendencies, and we capitalized when our number was called."

Duke Johnson, Running Back

On the 90 yard touchdown ...

"We had the mindset going in that if we can score on one play that’s what we wanted to do. Coach Coley called a great play and when I got to midfield, I started slowly getting tired, but I refused to get run down again by North Carolina."

On his success this season ...

"I think as an offense we are in a zone. We’re hitting in every way we can, passing and rushing. Guys up front are doing a great job week in and week out providing holes and protection so Brad Kaaya and I can do what we do best."

On the growth of the team...

"The defense played great games. This is a defense that I know is capable of doing great things week-in and week-out but it’s about going out there and doing it."

On being in reach of the Miami Hurricanes all-time leading rushing record....

"I probably wouldn’t believe that I would be close just knowing the guys that came before me. I wouldn’t think that I would have had the chance."

Joe Yearby, Running Back

On how well the running backs have been ...

"We work very hard. We stay committed and we push each other in everything we do and that’s how our success began."

On the win today ...

"Clive Walford gave us a speech before the game. He said to treat every game as if it’s an ACC Championship game. We have to play hat way in order to get to where we want to go."