If you asked me to give you one word to describe UNC’s 63-61 win over Appalachian
State on Saturday, I would tell you, wild. The Tar Heels survived one of the craziest finishes
you’ll ever see as App State scored 40 pts in the fourth quarter alone and nearly erased a 41-21 deficit. Drake Maye was once again spectacular as he dueled for 60 minutes with Chase Brice, both QBs guiding their respective offenses ruthlessly up and down the field. Maye finished with a 67% completion percentage, 352 yards passing, and 4 touchdowns, he has yet to throw a pick this season. Maye was also a force in the run game as well with 12 attempts, 76 yards, and a touchdown.
UNC was leading 56-49 with less than a minute to play and gave up a quick drive for a TD by App State, however, a failed two-point conversion left the Heels in a great position, leading 56-55 with 31 seconds and an onside kick pending. However on the onside kick, Bryson Nesbit recovered the ball, and instead of falling down, which would have allowed the Heels to end the game, he ran it all the way back for a touchdown, giving App State the ball back with 26 seconds left. App State once again took three plays to go down the field and scored with 9 seconds left. However, another failed two-point conversion allowed the Heels to recover another onside kick and kneel it out for the win. The Heels and the Mountaineers combined for 62 fourth quarter points, one short of an FBS record. It’s safe to say that the Heels defense needs improvement. Here are a few more takeaways from that crazy game
1. Drake Maye was Spectacular:
It’s safe to say the Heels have a quarterback. Maye looked so good he had people
forgetting that Josh Downs was not even on the field. Maye now has 9 total passing
touchdowns on the year. His stat line for the season: 73% completion percentage, 646 yards, 9 TDS, no picks, and a rushing touchdown.
2. The Defense was horrific:
It is also safe to say the UNC defense is awful. App State’s offensive stat line, 61 points,
664 total yards, 3-3 in the red zone, 6-12 third downs, and 8.3 yards per play. This is not a tats
line that Mack Brown will be praising in the locker room or in practice. UNC struggled with poor tackle angles, pass coverage, and pass rush. UNC had just one sack and one QB hurry, both of those being points of emphasis for Mack Brown and DC Gene Chizik.
3. UNC’s young receivers played like veterans:
UNC’s receivers were incredible, led by Kobe Paysour, the receiver group gave Maye
solid, open targets throughout the game. Once again, Drake Maye spread the ball around,
giving eight different players a chance to touch the ball and make a play. And Josh Downs was not even on the field. J.J. Jones was also solid, with 4 receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. Maye has found targets well so far in the year.
In conclusion, UNC is looking great on offense, but the defense needs work if the Heels are to
fully contend for the coastal crown this year.
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