Ever since UNC’s first drive, the South Carolina defense has done a stellar job of holding Drake Maye in check.
The Tar Heels tried gaining momentum on the ground, only for South Carolina defenders to drive ballcarriers further into the backfield or stop them after short gains.
Not anymore.
After allowing Juju McDowell to give South Carolina a brief, 14-10 second-quarter lead, UNC immediately responded with a passing-heavy drive.
Drake Maye, a Heisman Trophy candidate, projected top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and one of the best quarterback in the country, tossed his first touchdown pass of 2023 to wide receiver Kobe Paysour.
Drake Maye to Kobe Paysour TD!! pic.twitter.com/FNwEzAMTAp
— Tar Heel Tapes (@TarHeelTapes) September 3, 2023
With Devontez Walker and Nate McCollum out for the Heels’ opener, Paysour is taking advantage of his increase in playing time. In his first score of the year, he gets behind the Gamecock defense and runs Maye’s throw into the end zone for six.
We’re almost into halftime and this game is just what we all expected – two teams trading blows, eager to prove to the college football world they’re legit. UNC has the upper hand early, leading 17-14, but this game is far from over.
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