Mack Brown met with the media on Monday morning to talk a little bit more about the massive win in Charlotte over South Carolina and look ahead to Saturday’s home opener against Appalachian State. Prior to his press availability, the school did provide some important updates on the statuses of a couple of injured members of the offense.
Wide receiver Nate McCollum is day-to-day after missing Saturday night’s game with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, offensive guard Ed Montilus, who exited the game early in the first half, will be monitored throughout the week after picking up a lower-body injury.
The good news for the Tar Heels is that players stepped up in their absences and showed they are more than capable of holding it down until they can return. At receiver, Kobe Paysour continued to show why he deserves to be a major part of the passing game this season, regardless of McCollum’s status. He led the Tar Heels in receiving on Saturday, catching seven passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, something he has now done in each of the four starts he has made over the past two years.
At guard, it was Willie Lampkin, who was making just his third start against a Power 5 opponent, that stepped up. He started the game at right guard, but moved over to left guard once Montilus exited the game and had a nice night. He brought a nice physicality up front all night long and was a big part of why the offensive line failed to allow a sack for just the fifth time since Mack Brown returned to Chapel Hill.
The hope is that the Tar Heels can get both McCollum and Montilus back this week to be at full strength on that offensive side of the ball. Saturday showed there should be no rush, though, because this team is capable of winning until they are healthy enough to play.