Drake Maye looking forward to Week 4 challenge in matchup against Notre Dame

The tenor of the North Carolina–Notre Dame matchup in Chapel Hill this weekend has changed quite a bit in the last few weeks with Notre Dame losing to Marshall and then struggling against Cal. But UNC quarterback Drake Maye is still expecting a serious challenge from the Irish.

It’s also a chance to avenge a 44-34 loss in South Bend a year ago. After playing in Week 0, the Tar Heels come in to the game off an idle week and are hoping to get star receiver Josh Downs back for the game. Either way, Maye is ready for a tough matchup with Notre Dame.

“They’re physical up front. The front six or seven, they’re pretty strong. And obviously they’ve got some athletes back there in the secondary,” Maye said. “You know, I think we’ve got some ways to attack ’em, and you know we’re looking forward to it. Saturday should be a big game and we’re all looking forward to it. And obviously we had an extra week, so that helps. And they played last weekend. Don’t know whether they’re banged up or not. But just knowing that we had an extra week is a huge help.”

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North Carolina brings a potent offense into the game, averaging 51.3 points per game, the fourth-best mark in the nation. Maye is a big part of that, tossing 11 touchdowns, tied for the national lead, along with 310 passing yards a game.

Notre Dame presents the toughest test the Tar Heels have faced to date. Of North Carolina’s three opponents to date, the stiffest competition came on a trip to Boone, North Carolina, to face Appalachian State. The Irish represent a step up in talent from the teams UNC has faced so far.

“I would probably just say technique and tenacity. They’re going to be in the right spot. They’re well coached. They’re not going to have blown coverages and blown assignment in the run game,” Maye said. “So I think the biggest thing is the effort they put into it and the way they know their defense and they’re going to be in the right spot every time. Not going to be one of those things where we have guys wide open. We’re going to have to make plays and be on our Ps and Qs.”

North Carolina certainly does not lack in brand appeal, but any time a prestige-steeped program like Notre Dame visits, it’s cranks things up that much more. Maye is excited for the atmosphere Kenan Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

“I think any time a traditional college football program like Notre Dame comes to town, that’s going to create some noise. We’re excited,” Maye said. “Just it at home again, hopefully get some revenge. They’re a good team, so we’ll have to come ready to play. And they’ll bring what they got and they have some good players and we’re just excited to go out there and get another chance to play on Saturday.”