Halftime analysis: Carolina 17, Miami 13

Heels hanging on to lead after hot start

Fueled by a packed house and a rowdy crowd, North Carolina came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to a 17-3 first-quarter lead over Miami on Saturday night at Kenan Stadium.

It wasn’t that easy, however, as the Hurricanes settled in on defense and fought back to cut Carolina’s lead to 17-13 at the half.

After a dominant rushing effort in the season-opening win over South Carolina, the Tar Heels haven’t found the same footing, with the Hurricanes limiting them to 33 yards on 17 carries, including losing four yards on five carries in the second quarter.

First half stats

The good for Carolina

• This is what college football is supposed to be like, as a capacity crowd arrived early, got loud and hasn't slowed down. Easily the best atmosphere Kenan Stadium has seen in years.
• Sam Howell isn't skipping a beat in his first home start, completing his first pass for 39 yards to Antoine Green before connecting with Dyami Brown for a 62-yard touchdown. He's made good decisions on his throws and avoided contact when running.
• Trey Morrison, who was questionable with an upper-extremity injury, is in the lineup and playing well, breaking up a pass in the end zone and getting in on a tackle for loss. 
• Small sample size, but the Tar Heels looked much better in kick coverage allowing only a 15-yard kick return from Jeff Thomas.
• After surrendering 90 yards on 10 penalties in the opener, Carolina has been flagged just once for five yards.

The bad for Carolina

• Nick Polino and Antoine Green both suffered lower body injuries early and haven't returned. Polino's departure coincides directly with when Miami begin generating more pressure up front.
• Carolina's past three offensive drives have totaled just 11 yards, burning just 4 minutes, 12 seconds. As well as the defense has played, it can only hold up for so long.
• Cornerback Patrice Rene came up limping after Miami's touchdown just before the half and the Heels can't afford to lose a starter in the secondary tonight.
• Three different times, defensive players have gotten their hands on Miami quarterback Jarren Williams in the backfield and failed to bring him down.