CORAL GABLES – Sleep is for the weary as the Hurricanes prepare to take on North Carolina in conference matchup.

Miami (3-1) is currently riding a three-game winning streak after defeating FIU 31-17 last Saturday. The hurricanes also moved up five spots to No. 16 in the AP top 25 rankings.

The emergence of N’Kosi Perry has seemed to energize this Miami squad a little as Perry had a big game against FIU and racked up 17-25 passing for 224 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. There hasn’t been any word yet on if Perry will be “the guy” moving forward, it’ll be interesting to see who Richt will roll with against the Tar Heels.

Richt FIU post game comments didn’t offer much insight either

“We’ll decide this week,” he said. “We’ll figure it out. Like I’ve said in the past, we’re going to run whoever I think gives us the best chance of winning, that’s who’s going to play.”

Another offensive weapon for the cane is running back Travis Homer that struggled in recent weeks but had a break out game against FIU has he lead all rushers with 13 carries, 114 yard, one touchdown. Homer attributed his breakout performance to “trusting the process.”

Miami’s defense will have to amp and try to duplicate their unprecedented performance which includes at one point holding the FIU offense to 31 plays and 31 yards.

With all things considered North Carolina (1-2) is a very good team that Miami can’t afford to sleep on literally and figuratively as they’ve had a short five days to prepare for the visiting Tar Heels. Carolina is coming into Thursdays matchup after winning their first victory of the season against Pitt, so they’ll be thirsty for another win, especially one on the road against a top 25 opponent.

Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz commented on the team quick turn round for their Thursday night matchup:

“It’s good to be at home.” He said. “It’s obviously a quick turnaround for both teams. In the off-season we plan for these short weeks. We have a lot of respect for what they do on offense, we’ve been in two one possession battles with them in two years.”

The hurricanes were able to pull off a close 24-19 victory over North Carolina in 2017. Revenge will definitely be on the Tar Heels mind. Miami is currently a 18 point favorite over North Carolina and have a predicted 90% chance of defeating the Tar Heels.

Miami will host North Carolina this Thursday night (Sept. 27; 8:00 p.m. kickoff) at Hard Rock Stadium. The game will also be aired on ESPN.