Tag: 2023 UNC Football Schedule

UNC was ranked ahead of current CFP team at one point

Isn’t it hard to believe that UNC was in a better spot for the College Football Playoff than Alabama? After six weeks, such was the case.

Another UNC football season that started out with so much promise, another UNC football season that ended with so much disappointment.

While the year is technically not over yet, as the Tar Heels take on West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 27, UNC was once considered an ACC and fringe College Football Playoff contender.

Carolina was 6-0, riding high with wins against South Carolina, App State, Minnesota, Pitt, Syracuse and a ranked Miami squad. UNC quarterback Drake Maye truly looked like a Heisman contender, but it was the then-improved Tar Heel defense catching people’s attention.

UNC was playing so well that, in the AP Poll released after Week 6, it was one spot ahead of current CFP team Alabama.

Isn’t that tough to imagine? The Tar Heels, who currently are 8-4 and look like one of the ACC’s coldest teams, were once ahead of college football’s greatest powerhouse. The Crimson Tide were dealing with a quarterback conundrum and inconsistent offense, leading many to question if Nick Saban’s reign as college football king was over.

As sports always go, particularly in college football this year, that short-lived fame didn’t last long. UNC continued a disturbing trend of cold finishes, while Alabama looked a lot more like one of the country’s best.

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Social media predicts how Tar Heels will end football season

UNC suffered a disappointing loss to UVA last weekend, a theme that is becoming commonplace when UNC is ranked. How will the season end?

Saturday night’s UNC-UVA football result was shocking – but not unexpected, considering the Tar Heels’ history as a Top 10 team.

Previously undefeated UNC lost to 1-win UVA, 31-27, for the Hoos’ first victory in the South’s Oldest Rivalry since 2023. After tallying 24 points in the first three quarters, Carolina delivered a putrid, fourth-quarter performance and scored its only points on a Noah Burnette field goal.

UNC’s defense allowed the Cavaliers’ rushing attack, among the ACC’s worst, to gash it for 228 yards. UVA running back Mike Hollins scored all three rushing touchdowns, while Perris Jones led the room with 67 yards on 14 carries.

This came as a shock to many, as the Tar Heel defense seemingly proved itself with four, stellar performances since a letdown against App State. Instead, we all witnessed what had been a commonplace in Chapel Hill for many years prior – a defensive unit, full of talent, underperforming in one of the season’s most important games.

Even with the defeat, UNC only dropped to 17th in the latest AP Poll. There were debates about how far Carolina would fall – out of the Top 20, maybe even the Top 25 completely. The Tar Heels don’t deserve to be ranked after losing to one of the ACC’s worse teams, but their ranking (and conference record) gives them hope at a conference title.

Carolina closes out its regular season slate with Georgia Tech, an opponent tougher than it should be, Campbell, Duke, Clemson and N.C. State. A good UNC team could close this schedule portion with five wins, but good is no longer a guarantee after Saturday’s meltdown.

Let’s see how strong social media thinks the Tar Heels will finish:

UNC vs. App State: Game preview, info, prediction and more

UNC will play App State on Saturday, Sept. 9 in its home opener. The last time these two teams clashed, offensive fireworks exploded.

Both the UNC and App State football programs are riding high after Week 1 victories.

The Tar Heels rode a strong ground game and uncharacteristically strong defensive effort to a 31-17 victory over South Carolina, while the Mountaineers came back in the third quarter to down FCS opponent Gardner-Webb, 45-24.

Coincidentally, UNC and App are now just two days away from clashing in Week 2 action. We all remember what happened when these two in-state rivals last took the gridiron – a combined 62 fourth-quarter points, including 19 in the final 31 seconds.

The Tar Heels are currently favored by 17.5 points. They have a stud at QB in Drake Maye, while the Mountaineers are waiting to see if either Jake Burger or Joey Aguilar will suit up Saturday. UNC has a deep running back room that App State does not have. Both teams have relatively inexperienced wide receiver groups, but Carolina has the clear advantage in tight ends.

Expect UNC to win in dominant fashion, as this Mountaineers team is fairly inexperienced, but also expect a close battle.

Brooks and Rucker take home ACC POTW honors for UNC

British Brooks and Kaimon Rucker, instrumental to UNC’s season-opening win against South Carolina, earned ACC Player of the Week honors.

There are few other feelings in sports that match starting a season 1-0.

Those teams get to claim they’re “undefeated” for at least one more week. Some of these 1-0 schools might enjoy that mark for the entire season, while others might fall back to .500 the following week.

UNC is one of the lucky schools who gets to stay undefeated heading into its Week 2 clash, as the Tar Heels rode a strong, second-half defensive performance to a 31-17 victory over South Carolina.

UNC generated nine sacks – more than half of its 2022 total (17). The ground game racked up 168 yards and two scores, while Drake Maye threw for over 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Because of their respective roles in the Tar Heels’ win, British Brooks and Kaimon Rucker earned ACC Player of the Week honors.

Brooks, named ACC Running Back of the Week, led the Heels’ ground game with a game-high 103 rushing yards on 15 carries. This game was an emotional return for Brooks, who played his first game since 2021.

Rucker, tabbed defensive lineman of the week, led all players with 5.5 tackles for loss and tied for a game-high two sacks.

Both Brooks and Rucker helped UNC start 1-0 for the second consecutive season. They’re now preparing for their first home game of 2023, as the Tar Heels prepare to host App State on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 5:15 p.m.

There was some history made when the two in-state rivals matched up last year, with Carolina prevailing in a high-scoring affair.

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5 things to watch for in UNC Football opener against South Carolina

UNC’s first football clash of the year is Saturday, Sept. 2 against South Carolina. Look out for the following five keys in the matchup.

Week 1 – a fresh start for college football teams across the country.

People get to see new stars and familiar faces for their favorite teams. Heisman Trophy campaigns get underway. Upsets are bound to happen, while title favorites begin their quests – will anyone be able to stop Georgia this year?

The University of North Carolina football team is one of many who gets to press “reset” – and it is very thankful to do so.

Buy Tar Heels Tickets

The Tar Heels were a fringe College Football Playoff team last year, starting 9-1 with wins over schools like App State, Pitt and Wake Forest, whom they clinched the ACC Coastal Division against.

No one could have possibly seen what was coming next. UNC lost four consecutive games to end the season, including the first of four against a struggling Georgia Tech squad that, eventually, missed out on bowl action. Drake Maye threw for a career-high 448 yards against Wake Forest, then failed to eclipse 300 in the Heels’ final four contests.

With Maye, a deadly tight end trio, the entire running back room returning and a dangerous linebacking corps, as part of a hopefully-improved defense, the Heels need to beat South Carolina Saturday if they want any shot at the College Football playoff.

Before the Saturday matchup, we look at five things to watch in this ACC-SEC clash.

Gamecocks head coach wants NCAA to clear Tez Walker

University of South Carolina football head coach Shane Beamer is vouching for the return of UNC wide receiver Devontez Walker.

There are still no answers for the Devontez Walker eligibility saga.

Walker, who transferred from Kent State, is expected to be Drake Maye’s top target. The Charlotte native, entering his junior year, caught 58 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

There’s just one problem – Walker is currently ineligible to play, no thanks to the NCAA’s new rules on two-time transfers.

While the Heels have plenty of other offensive weapons – Drake Maye, Bryson Nesbit and Elijah Green, to name a few, their passing game drastically needs to replace the production of Josh Downs and Antoine Green.

UNC is just nine days out from its 2023 season opener against South Carolina (7:30 p.m., ABC) – primetime football at Bank of America Stadium. Though South Carolina will look to win its fifth matchup in six tries against the Tar Heels, it wants the best possible competition on the gridiron.

Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer even vouched for Walker’s eligibility decision to be overturned:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwVjCaruiIE/

Walker not being on the field would be an obvious advantage for the Gamecock defense, but it would no doubt be less exciting.

Just picture it – Walker and Georgia Tech transfer Nate McCollum wreaking havoc on South Carolina. Add in Tar Heel tight ends Nesbit, John Copenhaver and Kamari Morales to the equation – whoever the Gamecocks cover, the other man is going to burn them.

While UNC fans can only hope for Walker’s return, it’s nice to see the opposition sticking up for him.

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2023 UNC Football Preview: Quarterback

The UNC football quarterback room, led by Heisman Trophy contender Drake Maye, will go five quarterbacks deep this Fall.

The University of North Carolina football program’s been lucky to have some pretty talented quarterbacks come through Chapel Hill in the past couple decades – T.J. Yates, Bryn Renner, Marquise Williams and Sam Howell, to name a few.

Their most talented quarterback, however, is the current starter – Drake Maye.

If you’ve watched college football, you know the type of talent Maye is. He has the arm strength of Peyton Manning and the rushing ability of Lamar Jackson. Maye finished fourth (4,321) among FBS quarterbacks in passing yards last season, one spot behind Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, while also leading UNC in rushing yards (698).

Barring any freak injuries or off-the-field controversies, Maye is the Tar Heels’ starting quarterback. This will likely be Maye’s last season in Chapel Hill, as he is projected to be an early-first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Just over two weeks away from the 2023 opener at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 2 against South Carolina (7:30 p.m., ABC), let’s take a look at UNC’s quarterback room:

Social Media reacts to AP Top 25 Preseason Football Poll

The Associated Press released its Preseason Top 25 Poll on Monday. Fans reacted on social media to UNC being ranked 21st.

Sports fans can almost taste college football. They can certainly smell it in the air.

In just 12 days, Navy and Notre Dame kick off the collegiate season with a 2:30 p.m, “Week Zero” matchup at in Dublin, Ireland. There’s a few other games that day, highlighted by USC taking on San Jose State, but the main course comes in Week One on Saturday, Sept 2.

To further build the anticipation of college football starting, the Associated Press released its Top 25 poll on Twitter earlier Monday.

The Top Four teams come as no surprise – Georgia (No. 1), Michigan (two), Ohio State (three) and Alabama (four). LSU (five), USC (six), Penn State (seven), Florida State (eight), Clemson (nine) and Washington (ten) round out the Top 10.

UNC fans should be excited to see the Heels’ name on that list, as they slot in at 21st. They join FSU and Clemson as the only ACC teams in the poll.

Carolina’s hopes are riding on the arm and legs of Drake Maye, arguably the best quarterback in college football and a projected Top 3 draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Heels will be tested early – they open the season against South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 2 in Bank of America Stadium (7:30 p.m., ABC), then come home to face three-time FCS champion App State on Sept. 9.

Let’s take a look at social media to see fans’ reactions to the AP Top 25 poll:

NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah on what Drake Maye needs to improve

UNC quarterback Drake Maye is one of the best in college football. NFL Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah notes which areas he can improve upon.

There are very few holes in Drake Maye’s game.

Maye, the University of North Carolina football team’s star quarterback, has become a household name in college football after just one season as a starter. He finished fourth in the entire FBS with 4,321 passing yards last year, one spot behind Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Maye also showcased his running abilities, leading the Tar Heels with 698 rushing yards.

Not only is Maye a Heisman Trophy contender in his third year, he’s also a top prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft.

NFL Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah had tons of high praise for Maye’s game, but also highlighted an area Maye could improve upon to further boost his draft stock:

“Ball security isn’t a major concern, but he did force a couple throws in the Miami game, which led to turnovers,” Jeremiah said. “Also, he’s put the ball on the ground a few times as a ball-carrier. I’m not concerned about the interceptions (he threw just seven last season), but he does need to secure the ball better as a rusher. That is an easy fix. He’s very accurate throwing off platform when under pressure, but there are examples where he will unnecessarily fall off throws while operating in a clean pocket. There really wasn’t anything alarming to be concerned about after studying his tape.”

Entering the upcoming season, which begins on Saturday, Sept. 2 against South Carolina at Bank of America Stadium (7:30 p.m., ABC), Maye will need to play even better if UNC wants any shot at a national championship. He helped the Heels start 9-1, before an embarrassing loss to Georgia started a tailspin of four straight.

There is no Josh Downs or Antoine Green to catch passes this year – the NFL duo combined for 1,827 yards and 18 touchdowns. Instead, Maye should focus on further developing his chemistry with tight ends Bryson Nesbit, Kamari Morales and John Copenhaver (1,087 yards, eight touchdowns combined last season), who give UNC easily one of the country’s top pass-catching trios.

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Drake Maye making solid connections with receivers in football practice

In a series of highlights clips posted to X (formerly known as Twitter), UNC quarterback Drake Maye shows off his accuracy and cannon arm.

College football begins in less than a month.

Yes, you read that correctly.

We’ll have an appetizer of “Week Zero” matchups the last weekend of August, then the main course over Labor Day Weekend.

UNC will be kicking off its season against neighboring rival South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. inside Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. The Gamecocks have the rivalry’s upper hand of late, winning seven of the last 10 matchups, despite the Heels having a 35-20-4 all-time advantage.

Teams are busy trying to figure out position battles and depth charts. Coaches are crafting the most effective games plans so their teams can win more games. Right now, everyone is dealing with what future conference they will be participating in.

The Heels are trying to figure out if they’ll be sticking in the ACC or not, but luckily for them, they’ve got a lot of their starters figured out.

It’s no doubt that Drake Maye will be quarterback the offense. Maye, one of the best players in the entire country who could possibly go first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, is coming off a redshirt freshman season in which he won nine honors. Maye’s 4,321 passing yards landed him fourth in the entire FBS, just behind Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

Watch these four social media clips and see how good Maye looks in practice:

In the top left clip, Maye fires a dart to tight end John Copenhaver, who catches the ball over Don Champan then races towards the end zone.

You can’t see Maye in the top right clip, but you can see running back Omarion Hampton making a shoestring catch on the sidelines.

In the bottom left clip, Maye rolls to his right and finds a diving Nate McCollum.

In the bottom right clip, Maye hits Deems May in stride.

Even if it’s just one practice, it’s encouraging to see Maye forming connections with his pass-catchers. He doesn’t have the help of Josh Downs or Antoine Green, so that newfound chemistry will be crucial.

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