If you’re a UNC football fan, you have a ton to be proud of right now.
The Tar Heels put on one of their best defensive performances in recent memory – against an SEC opponent, nonetheless, sacking South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler nine times (more than half of 2022 total) and holding the Gamecocks to just a field goal in the second half, in a 31-17 victory.
The ground game, led by 103 yards from British Brooks in his first game action since 2021, generated 168 yards total and two scores. Wide receiver Kobe Paysour and John Copenhaver stepped up tremendously in the absence of Devontez Walker and Nate McCollum, combining for 10 catches, 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Even with two interceptions, Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye still completed 24 passes for 269 yards and two scores.
All this should have UNC stay put at 21st in the AP Poll come Week 2, It might be good enough to climb the ranks a bit, which would help their College Football Playoff chances.
Carolina’s performance had head coach Mack Brown smiling from ear-to-ear. Check out what he had to say after the season-opening triumph: