Saturday Spotlight
(21) North Carolina Tar Heels at South Carolina Gamecocks
North Carolina: I think they’re trying their hardest to shed the label of being just a basketball institution only. It’s understandable as to why they’d fly under the radar in the ACC because of the competition in the division with Florida State and Clemson at the top, along with the Pittsburgh Panthers and most recently, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Last season, their offense was one of the most electric units in all of college football as they could score with anyone. I often refer to them as a “basketball team on the gridiron” because of their ability to space things out and spread the football around to the open wide receiver. I expect their offense to be just as electric this year and it begins with one guy, the Quarterback and his name is Drake Maye. He’s a 6’4, 225 pound guy with amazing pocket awareness to stay up on his feet and move in the pocket. Drake can move the pocket on either side and when he has the time to throw the football, he’s hitting his receiver in stride. While this Tar Heels offense might be without Josh Downs who’s now catching footballs from Anthony Richardson with the Indianapolis Colts, this receiving core will still be one to watch with Bryson Nesbit, DeVontez Walker from Kent State and Nate McCollum. While I understand it’s tough replacing guys from a season ago, I think Drake and this trio of receivers will be just fine. They will scare opposing secondaries. Now, you all knew I’d get to the other side of the football which is their defense. They struggled significantly last season and do you remember the game against Appalachain State? The Tar Heels defense surrendered 40 points in the third quarter alone. It’s one thing to allow 40 in the entire game, but in a quarter? I’m cringing just discussing it. They (UNC) were still lucky to win that game because once again, the offense bailed them out. I’ve said this in years past as well. When the offense is stronger than the defense, the offense must sustain long drives to take pressure off the defense. Tonight, they will begin their season in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium.
South Carolina: There are some positives to take away from them last season. One, they went 8-5 which isn’t bad in the SEC that has the Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers and of course, the Georgia Bulldogs. This will be year three under Head Coach, Shane Beamer and he can only go up from here. Okay, let’s talk about part two. They ended their season on a high note with spoiling the playoff chances of the Tennessee Volunteers last November and they hung 63 points on a strong Vols defense a year ago. A week later on rivalry week, they march into Death Valley and defeat their in-state rivals, the Clemson Tigers and ruin their chances of making the playoffs. With the improvement in the win column and beating both Tennessee and Clemson in back to back weeks, that should give them some confidence. I want to talk about Spencer Rattler. I thought he was going to pan out in Norman, Oklahoma with Lincoln Riley and rightfully so on that opinion because look what Lincoln was able to do with Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts and Caleb Williams (including last year). Spencer was his own enemy and often got in his own way. The talent is undeniable as he has a high-powered NFL arm, he’s fantastic when he’s getting into a rhythm and last season, he threw for over 3,000 yards (3,026 to be exact) with 18 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. The two things Spencer must improve on are showing more consistency first and foremost while the other is cutting down on the interceptions. If he can raise his touchdown passes and lower those interceptions, he’s a dark horse Heisman Candidate. The South Carolina Gamecocks lost a few targets on the offense last year, but Antwane Wells is back and he led the team in receptions and yards last year. Their offense will also get a boost with Trey Knox, a Tight End who played for Arkansas last year. Their defense was far too inconsistent for my liking in ’22. They struggled to stop the run and gave up over 200 yards rushing in seven games. Their pass rush could take a hit with Jordan Burch leaving for Oregon. To start the season, they’ll be facing their next door neighbor.
North Carolina X-Factor: British Brooks– He’s RB1 (Running Back 1) for the Tar Heels. British isn’t the biggest guy, but he is so shifty and powerful with the football in his hands. He has excellent lower body strength to power himself for extra yards even when defenders have him wrapped up for the tackle. British is that patient runner that allows the lanes to open up before bursting through the tackles to get his yards.
South Carolina X-Factor: Nick Emmanwori-I’m convinced he was a Linebacker at one point before becoming a Safety. Nick is a physical specimen on the football field. This is a big kid as well standing tall at 6’4 and weighing 218 pounds. He’s always looking to come downhill to make that play on the football and his motor is always on. Nick was the Gamecocks leading tackler in 2022 with 85 and I expect that number to go up this year. He’s only a Sophomore and will only get better.
Three Things I’m Watching
1. Help Maye– You’ve heard me say what I’m about to say about this Tar Heels offense when it comes to the Buffalo Bills. Just as Buffalo depends on Josh Allen far too much to bail them out and do everything, the same can be said when it comes to North Carolina and Drake Maye. He might be strong on the move, but these Running Backs must do more to help out the Quarterback. Asking too much of your signal caller will get you in trouble. Drake was your leading rusher last season. That shouldn’t be the case at all.
2. Spencer Who?– As I said up top, Spencer Rattler can be a bit inconsistent at times. Which guy will we see? Will it be the one who torched the Tennessee Volunteers last year to the tune of six touchdowns? Or, will we see the guy who didn’t throw a single touchdown against the Florida Gators? He can be shaky, but when he lets the game come to him, Spencer can be a strong Quarterback. All the tools are there for him to be successful.
3. Heels Defense– This has been a question mark surrounding this team since last season. We know this UNC offense will score points. That’s a given at this point. I’m not wanting them to be Georgia Bulldogs great on defense, just don’t be as awful as you were in ’22! They were last in the ACC last season in total and scoring defense. They allowed 437 yards per game along with 31 points. They will definitely have all eyes on them.
Final Analysis: What a way to start another season of college football. If you love offense, this is the game for you! I’m excited to finally watch Drake Maye in game and not just highlights. The ball is going to be flying up and down the field in this game. This Tar Heels Offensive Line must be better in the trenches up front and I say that because Drake was hit many times last season. Also if I’m UNC, I’m coming out the gates and testing the run defense of South Carolina which is why British Brooks is key in this game. For South Carolina, taking care of the football is key. I know, taking care of the ball in general is always important, but they can be sporadic at times. I’ll leave you with some stats. When they lost the turnover battle, they were 1-4 and when they didn’t, they were 7-1. Can this Offensive Line for the Gamecocks be better? I don’t expect much defense to be played in this game, but if I had to trust a defensive unit between these two, I’ll lean to South Carolina. I like for them to win this game to open up their season.
Prediction: South Carolina 48, North Carolina 44
