Miami junior Duke Johnson ran for 177 yards and scored three times Saturday as the host Hurricanes ripped North Carolina, 47-20.
Johnson scored on runs of 1 and 90 yards and on a 37-yard reception; the touchdown catch gave UM a 37-6 lead early in the third quarter, and Johnson sat out the rest of the game. He rushed for 172 yards in the first half.
"There's a difference between a talented running back and a skilled running back. This guy is skilled," Miami coach Al Golden told reporters afterward.
Johnson currently is riding a streak of five consecutive 100-yard games -- the longest such streak of his career -- and he has rushed for at least 90 yards in all nine of Miami's games. He had been 10th nationally in rushing, at 129.5 yards per game. It was Johnson's 12th career 100-yard game; that is fourth-most in Miami history, trailing Clinton Portis (14), Edgerrin James (14) and Ottis Anderson (13).
Johnson's performance gives him 3,080 career yards and moved him into second place on Miami's rushing list; he moved past James Jackson (2,953) and James (2,960). Johnson now trails Anderson by 251 yards.
Johnson said early in the week that his mom would play a big role in deciding whether he turns pro after the season. More performances like the one against the Tar Heels could make the decision easier.
Miami tight end Clive Walford -- the team's leading receiver -- had six catches for 89 yards and two scores. Walford, one of the better seniors at his position nationally, has six touchdown receptions on the season.
Miami (6-3) has next week off, then plays host to Florida State on Nov. 15. Miami has won 13 of its past 14 home games.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
