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Most Hurricanes fans believed the matchup with the North Carolina Tar Heels would lessen the sting of the week 0 loss to the Gators. A win in Chapel Hill would right the ship and get the Canes back on track towards grabbing the Coastal crown. Unfortunately, for Miami fans and players, the Canes dropped to 0-2 after a tightly contested 28-25 defeat at UNC. Whether it was the 4th-and-17 play that will haunt us or the dropped passes, several fans are looking for answers as to what the future holds for TNM. As you recycle play calls from the game in your head and consider what changes need to enforced, here are some quick fan reactions to show you that you’re not alone:
The Positives
Im at the social security office so lets talk ball
— Jay (@JCane_5) September 9, 2019
+I said 10-2 so we can still hit that
+I saw a huge oline improvement
+if JW wouldve played last year he that game vs UF looks like UNC, he nice
-Secondary is raw talent
-4th and 17 safety blitz...
-18 no punter, 19 no kicker
Miami secondary giving up big plays sure.
— rOmaN (@Romancane) September 10, 2019
But it's rushing defense? Ranks better than Clemson Alabama and Georgia
2.3 yards a rush vs two FBS teams who either ran the ball well last year (uf) and great in week 1 (unc)
For reference #canes gave up 3.54 a rush last year
There are several fans who see the progression of Jarren Williams as a massive plus coming out of the Tar Heels loss. Outside of the explosive plays given up by the secondary in both weeks, the defense has been solid between the 20s. As referenced above, the run defense has been tremendous for the Canes. Both matchups this season were against opponents who loved to establish the run game. The trench dominance between the tackles in one of the main holdovers from last season. The offensive line did look improved and the Canes attempted to get other playmakers involved in the offense early like Jeff Thomas, K.J. Osborn, Will Mallory, and others.
The Negatives
What a pathetic loss. Program is flatly incapable of winning a road prime time conference game. For UNC to have the year they had last year and hire a geriatric coach and be closer than you... look in the mirror. Don’t want to hear from you until 2020. Disgusting.
— Mike Ryan Ruiz (@MichaelRyanRuiz) September 8, 2019
Had the ball with time and timeouts in striking distance and lost both games. It’s fair to say he sucks. Look at the play the other QB made.
— Lord Of The Harvest (@Betterduck) September 8, 2019
The safeties are HORRIBLE! I don't care how many stars they got! They are not good football players!!! Patchan isn't good either! It looks like they're still doing that workout warrior depth chart garbage!
— Greg King (@gregorykingjr) September 9, 2019
They're still a little too conservative with the O!
After a backbreaking loss like that, there was no reality where some fans wouldn’t have extreme reactions and passionate responses. Disregarding the completely inflamed and bizarre takes, some fans legitimately questioned the display on the field Saturday night. The WR rotation, playmaking skills on the backend, and the greatness of Manny Diaz and Jarren Williams have been scrutinized on social media. There have been calls for Tate Martell to get more snaps, assertions about the lack of intelligence in the move to let Derrick Smith walk, and more.
The Hilarious
Co-worker: You think we beat Bethune Saturday?
— Laz (@CutlerRidgeLAZ) September 9, 2019
Me: If they lose to Bethune FIRE EVERYBODY....INCLUDING ME!
Lost by 4 to UF...3 to UNC....if we lose by 2 to Bethune we technically gettin better pic.twitter.com/fBKwCmzpKr
— Quelon (@Quelon337) September 8, 2019
This week’s matchup against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats has been met with some humor and lightness by fans. Most fans expect a win this weekend and are clearly finding solace for the season’s slow start by inserting some sarcasm into the mix. In a sea of positives and negatives, a wait and see approach is one one way to go. For some, the best reaction is a non-overreaction.
While marching forward to the next matchup, have you considered how you view this team? Do you still believe in Manny Diaz, Jarren Williams, a defensive and o-line resurgence, and TNM? Where do we need to improve and how much can be fixed by continued play through the season?