GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Miami CBs Michael Jackson and Trajan Bandy look to keep North Carolina WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams from breaking off a big play. Williams is considered the Tar Heels’ best potential big-play receiver, though sophomore Dazz Newsome had a breakout game (six catches for 110 yards) in the win over Pittsburgh. Bandy has one of Miami’s four interceptions and has broken up two other passes despite an early ejection in the opener for targeting. Jackson is looking for his first pick after intercepting four passes last year. Jackson is prepared for the Thursday night encounter. “They are going to come out and play,” he said of the Tar Heels.
DRAFT SLANT
–DT Gerald Willis III is making a good impression after sitting out last season for personal reasons. A transfer from Florida, Willis had three tackles for loss in the win over Florida International among his five stops. “It’s great,” he said when asked about coming back from the layoff. “Everything happens for a reason. I’m just going to keep doing what I have to do and keep helping the team out.”
ROSTER REPORT:
–WR Jeff Thomas left the game against FIU in the first quarter because of dehydration issues on the 87-degree afternoon but was back at practice when the Hurricanes began preparations for North Carolina.
–S Jaquan Johnson sat out last week because of a knee injury sustained against Toledo on Sept. 15 and did not practice when the Hurricanes resumed practice this week. He is considered day-to-day.
–WR Ahmmon Richards has played in only one game, the opener against LSU when he tweaked a knee. He, too, is considered day-to-day.
–WR Lawrence Cager has only nine receptions overall but leads Miami with four touchdown grabs. The junior had only three touchdown receptions in 2017.
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