What UNC head coach Mack Brown said after win over South Carolina
If you’re a UNC football fan, you have a ton to be proud of right now.
The Tar Heels put on one of their best defensive performances in recent memory – against an SEC opponent, nonetheless, sacking South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler nine times (more than half of 2022 total) and holding the Gamecocks to just a field goal in the second half, in a 31-17 victory.
The ground game, led by 103 yards from British Brooks in his first game action since 2021, generated 168 yards total and two scores. Wide receiver Kobe Paysour and John Copenhaver stepped up tremendously in the absence of Devontez Walker and Nate McCollum, combining for 10 catches, 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Even with two interceptions, Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye still completed 24 passes for 269 yards and two scores.
All this should have UNC stay put at 21st in the AP Poll come Week 2, It might be good enough to climb the ranks a bit, which would help their College Football Playoff chances.
Carolina’s performance had head coach Mack Brown smiling from ear-to-ear. Check out what he had to say after the season-opening triumph:
On his team's performance
Mack Brown: "We were good tonight. We need to be great."
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) September 3, 2023
On the UNC defense
Mack Brown: "The defense stepped up and they played so hard tonight and so tough. We knew they'd be much better … This is a great start for us."
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) September 3, 2023
On Tez Walker
UNC coach Mack Brown says “another committee will look at it next week, on Thursday” in regard to Tez Walker’s NCAA eligibility case.
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) September 3, 2023
On coaching after shooting on campus
(21) North Carolina beats South Carolina 31-17 in Charlotte. This is the latter portion of head coach Mack Brown addressing the difficulty of coaching, teaching, his players in the immediate aftermath of the shooting on campus in Chapel Hill August 28th@WLOS_13 @Chris_Womack pic.twitter.com/PAqeM2XvRt
— Marvin Parker Jr. (@suscmarvin) September 3, 2023
On the game ball
Mack Brown says Tez Walker was presented with the game ball by @ericchurch in the UNC locker room. pic.twitter.com/S8SOuF2VeS
— Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamShow) September 3, 2023
On post game handshake with Shane Beamer
Mack Brown says that all he was trying to do was get Shane Beamer's attention here, and that anyone trying to make more of it than that is "pretty lame." https://t.co/i9e7arynVs
— Scott Fowler (@scott_fowler) September 3, 2023
On pressure for Tez Walker
Mack Brown on Tez Walker: “I don’t know if he would’ve played well if he played (due to pressure).”
Said there is another meeting this upcoming Thursday and another NCAA committee will see to Tez’s case.
— Shelby Swanson (she/her) (@shelbymswanson) September 3, 2023
On Alijah Huzzie
“He made plays all night. … He is really a good football player.” – Mack Brown on defensive back Alijah Huzzie, who was all over the field in his first game with the Tar Heels
— Rodd Baxley (@RoddBaxley) September 3, 2023
On British Brooks
Mack Brown’s message to British Brooks: “I said, ‘I’m so proud of you. Not a lot of players would be able to do what you just did.’”
Before tonight, the last time Brooks played was against South Carolina on this field in the 2021 bowl game. https://t.co/khNfDS3ljL
— Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamShow) September 3, 2023
On winning the game
One very happy Mack Brown. Big opening night win with College Gameday in Charlotte.
“I’m really proud,” Brown beams.
He should be. 100 wins at 2 programs. pic.twitter.com/uACyTWcRqJ
— Neil W. Blackmon (@nwblackmon) September 3, 2023