Miami drubs Carolina - Now, that's more what we expected from depleted Heels

After four straight impressive wins, it appears the suspensions and injuries have finally caught up with the Tar Heels as Miami crushed North Carolina 33-10.

The Tar Heels actually had a 10-3 lead early and should have been up by more except for a fumble in the end zone. But then, on the heels of losing tight end Zack Pianalto for the season, the injuries started piling up. Five Tar Heels went down including Pianalto's replacement Ryan Taylor.

Miami, which probably would have won the game regardless of the injuries, reeled off 30 straight points. Several big plays came through the air against the depleted Carolina secondary, which was playing three freshmen and another player, Da'Norris Searcy, who had been knocked woozy earlier.

With nine players having been dismissed, suspended or otherwise held out just in case, it was going to be a tough task at Miami without the four injuries last week and five during the game.

Some players who had previously only played on special teams got to see action for Carolina. The four defensive backs playing at the end of the game were the last four defensive backs on the team.

Despite leading questions, UNC coach Butch Davis didn't sulk about the injuries. He praised Miami as a good football team and said the Tar Heels had a chance to get some points early and didn't come through.

"The kids tried as hard as they can," Davis said, finally alluding to the shorthandedness. "Like I tell them, you never know when your number is going to be called. A lot of kids had to play tonight and hopefully we'll be better for it next week."

Carolina has a homecoming game against William & Mary next Saturday before traveling back to Florida to play Florida State, a team that handled Miami easily a couple of weeks ago.