MIAMI GARDENS — What was an opportunity for a statement victory to prove the Miami Hurricanes belonged among the nation’s top-10 teams and deserved a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl went drastically awry.
No. 10 Miami was outright dominated by No. 17 North Carolina, surrendering the most yards of total offense (778) and rushing yards (554) in a single game in program history.
There were bright spots in this 8-2 regular season — no doubt — but it’s telling that, against its two toughest opponents, Miami lost by a combined 61 points.
The 42-17 loss to Clemson and Saturday’s result proved aspirations of a New Year’s Six bowl appearance were lofty.