'Big play Beau' impactful for UNC in loss to Miami

First-year wide receiver Beau Corrales made a name for himself with his two touchdowns, even as North Carolina (1-8, 0-6 ACC) fell 24-19 to No. 9 Miami (7-0, 5-0 ACC).

He got started in the third quarter.  

The 6-foot-4 Corrales had been a productive receiver all game, but was about to reach one of the first milestones of his collegiate career. It was first and 10 at the 30-yard line after quarterback Nathan Elliott had completed his longest pass of the day to tailback Jordon Brown for a 28-yard gain.

After a 12-yard run by Brown lined the ball up at the 18-yard line, head coach Larry Fedora decided to run one of four trick plays on the day. 

Wide receiver Anthony Ratliff-Williams took a lateral from Elliott to find Corrales, whose Twitter handle is @BEAU_JANGLES12, for his first career touchdown off an 18-yard score.

“Just getting that touchdown was probably one of the best feelings I’ve had in a football game,” Corrales said.

After kicker Freeman Jones nailed the extra point, Miami’s lead was cut down to 17-13.  

“There’s a true freshman, another kid, who’s pressed into the work,” Fedora said. “He got some valuable reps that’re going to make him better down the road. He’s going to be a better player because of it.”

Corrales’ career day was not over just yet, though.

As time was running out for UNC in the fourth quarter, Elliott scrambled to the left side of the field for a 12-yard run and a first-and-goal opportunity for the Tar Heels at the 9-yard line. 

This time, the two Texas natives had the chance to connect with each other. 

Elliott found Corrales for a 9-yard touchdown pass with 3:03 left in the game to pull UNC within five points. Elliott missed the two-point conversion to put the score at 24-19. 

“It’s always good to have a guy that’s that big out there who’s explosive and strong,” Elliott said. “He’s going to be a great player here with us for the next four years.”

Corrales finished the game with career highs in receptions (four) and yards (64). He entered Saturday's contest with two career catches for 19 yards. 

In the midst of a disappointing season for the Tar Heels, Corrales’ potential is a bright spot for the future of UNC football.  Although he is young, Corrales proved that he has the ability to be a big-time player for the Tar Heels after scoring UNC’s only two touchdowns of the day.

“'Big Play Beau' — that’s what you gotta call him now,” Ratliff-Williams said. 

One thing is for sure: in the midst of an uncertain season, his teammates have no reason to doubt him.

@jordymae012

sports@dailytarheel.com