Drake Maye returns after injury scare to score fifth touchdown against Virgina Tech

North Carolina fans were holding their breath right when quarterback Drake Maye went down late in the third quarter against Virginia Tech. But the Tar Heels’ star quarterback returned on the very next drive resulting in a 25-yard touchdown strike.

On a second and nine, Maye found tight end Bryson Nesbit, over the middle in tight coverage for the touchdown. That score now gives the Tar Heels a 31-point lead, 41-10. Maye is directly responsible for all five of North Carolina’s touchdowns today, with three passing and two rushing.

That was almost not the case, given the injury scare that happened on the previous drive. On a second and nine from the Virginia Tech 10-yard line, Maye scrambled right after the Hokies had excellent coverage in the end zone. As he darted towards the sideline, a Virginia Tech defender dove at his legs to stop him. Maye attempted to hurdle the defender in hopes of picking up the first down. Unfortunately for the Tar Heels quarterback, he landed short of the first down, landing awkwardly on his head. Maye was able to get up underneath his own power and head off the field into the medical tent. After being evaluated, he was good to go, and the rest is history.

Drake Maye heads to the tent after this big fall pic.twitter.com/6wLhjODLrZ

— tarheelupdate (@tarheelupdate) October 1, 2022

Every weekend, Maye continues proves to the college football world that he has the skills and toughness to lead the Tar Heels to the top of the ACC.

North Carolina’s Mack Brown pleased with Tar Heels first half

The Tar Heels headed into halftime in firm control of leading the Virginia Tech Hokies 24-10. The Tar Heels have made plays on both sides of the ball, including an interception deep in the Hokies territory, resulting in a quick touchdown pass from Drake Maye to Antoine Green. Before heading into the locker room for halftime, North Carolina head coach Mack Brown spoke on the action so far. Brown is pleased with his team’s performance and highlighted North Carolina’s quick bounce back from giving up a touchdown late in the second quarter.

“ The three points right before the half was big. We’ve got to come out and play a great five minutes to start the second-half,” said Brown.

With the Tar Heels leading 21-3 late in the second quarter, the Hokies finally found their way into the touchdown after putting together a 14-play 69-yard drive. The drive was capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Grant Wells, leaving just 28 seconds on the clock. That was more than enough time for Maye to get North Carolina into scoring position and kick a field goal right before the half.