CHAPEL HILL — At one point earlier today during Roy Williams’ portion of the ACC’s weekly coaches’ teleconference, a reporter opened his question to Williams with this: “Coach, how are you doing?”

To which Williams said, “Not very good but still alive.”

CHAPEL HILL — Three North Carolina-related things to think about on this Monday morning from Chapel Hill:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State defeated No. 3 North Carolina 90-57 here on Saturday. A look back at the Tar Heels’ shocking defeat:

Updated 8:04 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — There were no words. After his team’s 90-57 defeat at Florida State on Saturday, North Carolina coach Roy Williams walked into the Tar Heels locker room, where the team gathered for its routine post-game prayer. Then Williams walked out, without saying a word.

What could be said after this?

In case you missed it last week, I wrote both a blog post and a more formal story about a scouting report that a North Carolina opponent left behind at the Smith Center. The scouting report was for a December game against the Tar Heels.

And the report provided some insight into how one team, at least, prepared to play UNC. For one, the scouting report criticized the defensive play of some Tar Heels (most notably Kendall Marshall and P.J. Hairston).

It also included this line, about John Henson and Tyler Zeller both: “Hates it physical.” 

CHAPEL HILL — A few thoughts and reflections on No. 3 North Carolina’s 73-56 victory against Miami last night at the Smith Center:

Updated 12:46 a.m.

CHAPEL HILL — Sixteen games into a season that began with grand aspirations, North Carolina’s players had almost become typecast. Harrison Barnes was the scorer, Kendall Marshall the passer, Dexter Strickland the defensive stopper. As a team, the Tar Heels at times faltered defensively on the perimeter.

These had been known characteristics about UNC halfway through the season. But then came role reversals at the Smith Center on Tuesday night during the Tar Heels’ 73-56 victory against Miami.

While Barnes struggled through his worst offensive game of the season, the Tar Heels (15-2, 2-0) received scoring from the unlikeliest of players. Strickland tied his season high with 14 points and Marshall finished with 12 – the most he had scored since UNC’s victory against Washington last season in the NCAA Tournament.

CHAPEL HILL — No. 3 North Carolina hosts Miami tonight at 9 p.m. at the Smith Center.

While we wait (and wait) for the late tip, consider these three things to watch:

CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina coach Roy Williams on Sunday began watching film of Miami, which visits the Smith Center on Tuesday night. And the thing that stood out most to Williams? The Hurricanes’ guards.

Particularly, the starting backcourt duo of Durand Scott, a junior, and Malcolm Grant, a senior.

“I think that they set the tone for everything,” Williams said.

CHAPEL HILL — Three North Carolina-related things to think about on this gray morning from Chapel Hill: