Your Tar Heels are 2-0! Despite a few underwhelming efforts, North Carolina heads into their final game before conference play begins with a matchup against the Minnesota Gophers. The game kicks off in just over an hour, so let’s dive right into this matchup.
A Clashing Style from Minnesota
Minnesota heads into today’s game having allowed just 16 points on the season. They’re not trying to run opponents off the field, they’d rather run you over. They possess the ability to beat you in multiple ways. In week 1, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw the ball 44 times in a game that ended 13-10. The following week he attempted just 15 passes. The North Carolina defense needs to be prepared for just about anything.
On the other side of the field, North Carolina’s offense has been leaning more into the run, something that could play into their favor. The Minnesota defense has allowed almost 300 yards rushing in their first two games. Expect Omarion Hampton to look to pick up where he left off last week. Hampton trounced Appalachian State to the tune of 234 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.
Never Happened Before
Today’s game marks a momentous occasion for the sport of college football. Minnesota played its first college football game in 1882 and the Tar Heels debuted six years later in 1888. The two schools have combined to play 276 years of college football, yet this will be the first time the two programs square off. The oddsmakers like North Carolina’s chance to emerge with ultimate bragging rights.
Will The Real Drake Maye Please Stand Up?
I say this while channeling all the energy of Aaron Rodgers in a press conference in 2014; R-E-L-A-X. Yes, Drake Maye had Heisman Trophy expectations. And yes, his first two games have been relatively underwhelming.
But Maye has still shown the growth Tar Heel fans want to see from a sophomore quarterback. And isn’t his willingness to take what the defense is giving him a good thing? Maye observed what Hampton had going last week and, rather than force passes to bloat his numbers, he made the decision that gave his team the best chance of winning. Hampton averaged nine yards a carry and North Carolina’s offense scored 40 points.
Maybe Maye won’t win the Heisman. But North Carolina has grander aspirations, and Maye remains the guy Tar Heel fans should be thrilled is steering the ship.
