UNC offensive keys to the game against Florida A&M
The UNC football program enters its Week 0 game with much different expectations than a year ago and probably more questions than answers.
The Tar Heels were a top-10 program and failed to meet those expectations as early as their season-opener which was a disappointing loss at Virginia Tech. Things went downhill for the team when they lost on the road at Georgia Tech a few weeks later as well.
In the end, UNC finished their season 6-7 and a big bowl loss to South Carolina.
Heading into this season, the vibes around the program are different in terms of having a much less experienced unit offensively and some new pieces and coaches defensively.
Welcoming in Florida A&M, the Tar Heels look to go 1-0 on the 2022 season. Here are the keys on the offensive side of the ball for UNC.
Quarterback Play
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 24: Drake Maye #10 of North Carolina Tar Heels rolls out of the pocket during their spring game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
UNC head coach Mack Brown announced Monday that redshirt freshman Drake Maye would be the starter for Saturday’s season opener. It was a quarterback battle that was extremely competitive in fall camp but one that Maye came out on top in.
The Tar Heels enter this season with a new man under center after three years of UNC star Sam Howell. There is not an expectation that UNC will get the same play from either Maye or now backup Jacolby Criswell, but there needs to be a confidence during Saturday’s game that there is at least a solid answer between those two.
Mack Brown said that Criswell would play as well and that this was a fluid situation — making it seem almost week-to-week. Regardless, the Tar Heels have a decent amount of skill players ready to make plays so Maye, and the snaps that Criswell sees, need to be efficient and not necessarily home-run plays that Tar Heel fans became familiar with during the Howell era.
Who steps up at running back?
Jan 2, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back British Brooks (34) runs the ball against Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Leon O’Neal Jr. (9) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Tar Heels got unfortunate news earlier this fall with the season-ending injury to returning running back and expected starter British Brooks. So, there are now questions that surround the running back room.
UNC will go with a group attack headlined by season-opening starter DJ Jones. Jones had 60 carries for 253 yards and 12 catches for 55 yards last season. Behind him are a group of backs that are all expected to have some sort of role, just not as experienced with big game snaps.
Elijah Green and Caleb Hood return with experience and newcomers George Pettaway and Omarion Hampton all look to help the running back room fill some of the production lost from Ty Chandler a season ago and the role that Brooks was expected to have this year.
Over the last few seasons, the Tar Heels have used the running back position as a focal point of the offense in both the running and passing game, so it’s a critical position especially for an offense looking to get comfortable with a new QB under center.
A positive rushing attack will take a lot of stress off of the shoulders of Maye on Saturday.
Who slides in to replace Antione Green?
Oct 30, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Justin Olson (83) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Drew White (40) defends in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
As with the running back position, the Tar Heels lost expected starter Antoine Green for 6-10 weeks earlier this fall.
Expected to play alongside Josh Downs, the Tar Heels now have to look elsewhere at the position. For the best, it may not be just one person who steps up for Carolina while he’s out and especially in week zero.
The first look will probably be JJ Jones — a 6-foot-2 sophomore who showed flashes this summer and fall. Jones had limited action a season ago, but with his size, he can provide a nice target for UNC playing alongside Downs.
Two more are Gavin Blackwell and Justin Olson. Blackwell was redshirted last year but is expected to start this weekend. For Olson, the seven starts he had last season could now come in handy. He had just nine catches for 143 yards but eight of his receptions came in the last six games of the season. Olson is bigger than Blackwell by about three inches and with Downs already a smaller wideout on the field, the offensive unit may need some additional size alongside the preseason All-American.
A breakout player could be tight end Kamari Morales. Morales slides in as the go-to player at the position and returns after totaling 220 yards a season ago. His biggest asset to UNC may be in the redzone, where he totaled five touchdowns last season.
Just find a groove
Nov 2, 2019; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown (center) encourages his team during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Cavaliers won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Tar Heels just need to get into an early groove and find some confidence on the offensive side of the ball. There are so many new faces that are expected to play large roles that any sort of confidence is needed and beneficial.
Florida A&M isn’t a high-major opponent and will not be the toughest opponent that UNC faces this season so getting some sort of rhythm with the first unit could be critical as this team looks to future games.
It’s never easy with a new quarterback, especially when it’s someone coming in to a slightly depleted roster without starting running back British Brooks and starting wide receiver Antione Green.
As long as UNC comes in and shows some promise and excitement on the offense, it’ll go a long way in building extra confidence for the unit heading into the rest of the season.
