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Eschewing the traditional preview, we here at the State of The U are bringing you all the (mostly meaningless) things one needs to know prior to this week's match-up. The only rule? No game predictions. Today gives us another piece of the that delicious Research Triangle pie.
¿Quien?
2012: 4-2 (1-1 in ACC)
Last Meeting: Miami won 30-24 in 2011
Vegas is starting to envision the wheels falling off for Miami.
Miami now an 8-point home underdog to North Carolina in the Caesars/Harrah's line.
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) October 11, 2012
You can't really blame them, either. With the revolving door Hurricanes defense, and North Carolina coming in off of a big win over Virginia Tech, the 8 point line for a road team seems a little high, but not by much. After this week, North Carolina's next toughest opponent is probably NC State, so if they can win here their schedule sets up to win out. Win out for what, that is? Not a ACC title. But ask Terry Bowden - great records in meaningless years can give you years of job security. Hey UNC, we're not sanction buds, we're sanction bros!
¿Donde?
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Incredible stadium, nestled right in the middle of the woods. It holds 62K, but it seems much more intimate. The seats are right on top of the field, so it get pretty loud. Either that, or the four picks Jacory threw in 2009 just made everyone yell a little bit stronger. Not sure.
¿Cuando?
2:30 EDT
TV: ESPNU
The good news is the next two weeks will be nationally televised. The bad news is there's a decent chance it's two more ass whoopings.
¿Colors?
Carolina Blue and White. I'm not sure how I feel about a team naming one of their colors after themselves. Is that allowed? Did you guys invent it? It looks like your normal baby blue to me. UNC fans, throw down in the comments on this one.
¿Stadium?
Sun Life Stadium
Miami Gardens, Florida
Another mid-day game at Sun Life against an opponent Miami residents don't care about = SUN DEATH
¿Food and Nightlife?
You can't go wrong with a Hemingway smoked marlin sandwich. Tough location on the corner of Bird and Red.
You wanna be a high roller? You wanna be seen in the Gables? Here's your spot. High end Italian joint just off Le Jeune. Pear and asiago cheese pasta is a winner.
¿Last Minute Ticket Grab?
Lots of specials going on again this week, with this probably the best of the bunch.
Less than 50 seats are still remaining for Saturday's Sileo Special: Get 3 tickets for $93 - Click here to order: bit.ly/3for93
— HurricaneSports (@hurricanesports) October 8, 2012
¿All-Time Record?
North Carolina leads 8-7. Butch Davis's ownership of Randy Shannon threw the record of the short history of this match up in their favor.
¿Returning Starters?
Offense - 7
Defense - 5
Specialists - 2
Giovani Bernard is the clear cut killer of the team, and his ability to bring in the dubious Miami back seven for play action fakes is already giving me chills. Butch might not have been able to get through two straight program rebuilds without cheating, but he did stock this team with NFL caliber talent. Kevin Riddick, Sylvester Williams, and Kareem Martin are all going to wreak havoc this Saturday. They play a 4-2-5 defensive scheme, which on paper should be well suited to line up against Miami's pass heavy attack. Just like every other week, the Hurricanes will need to outscore their opponent to win.
¿You Tube Clip of Glory?
1997, the last year of Mack Brown's tenure, was probably their most talented, losing only to a loaded FSU team. But keeping in mind the match up here, I'll throw these Tar Heels a Connor Barth bone. You know they have a huge picture plaque in Kenan Stadium for this game?