Charlotte just hosted the official kick off of college football season with ESPN’s College GameDay commentating on the University of North Carolina vs the University of South Carolina facing off at Bank of America Stadium.
The Tar Heels showcased a formidable combination of offensive prowess and defensive strength, beating the Gamecocks with a final score of a 31-17. This latest chapter in the UNC-USC rivalry that started in 1903 now has the Tar Heels leading with 36 wins in 60 games.
Quarterback Drake Maye, hailing from Huntersville, amassed 269 yards with two touchdowns. He orchestrated scoring drives in five of North Carolina’s first six possessions, demonstrating both his throwing capability and evasive maneuvers against defensive pressure.
Drake Maye’s first touchdown pass of the 2023 season, a beautiful deep pass to a wide-open Kobe Paysour! pic.twitter.com/EbDoOoAMIq
— Keeping It Heel (@KeepingItHeel) September 3, 2023
However, what truly caught the spectators’ attention was the Tar Heels defense. After bombing last season, especially against the smaller App State, the defense bounced back impressively this past weekend, recording nine sacks against the Gamecocks – the second-highest sack count in UNC’s records.
South Carolina, on the other hand, grappled with a terrible offensive line. Their protection struggles were evident as they conceded the nine sacks to North Carolina, hindering QB Spencer Rattler’s efforts. Rattler, in spite of the continuous pressure, managed to throw for 353 yards, completing 30 of his 39 passes.
What did you think about Saturday’s game?
