Mack Brown assesses play of Drake Maye, North Carolina defense at the half

Drake Maye‘s first game as the North Carolina starting quarterback has gotten off to a scorching start. Maye accounted for all four of the Tar Heels first half touchdowns while going 19-of-24 passing for 177 yards.

With UNC leading Florida A&M by a score of 28-14 at halftime, Tar Heels coach Mack Brown said during a sideline interview he has been pleased with what he’s seen from the redshirt freshman.

“His composure,” Brown said of Maye. “He got the ball to the right place. He’s very accurate. He’s mad because he had a couple throws that were off a little bit. We protected him pretty well but also I like his mobility. He had the long run down the boundary. He’s been able to escape some pressure always had his eyes downfield and able to pick out some receivers.”

Maye beat out sophomore Jacolby Criswell for the starting job this fall. So far he’s proven to Brown that he made the right decision, making his presence felt early with a pair of first quarter touchdowns.

As well as Drake Maye has played, the North Carolina defense left much to be desired in the first half. The Tar Heels gave up 216 yards and a pair of touchdowns and allowed the Rattlers to convert a pair of fourth down attempts.

Had UNC not scored a touchdown with five seconds remaining in the first half, it would have been a one-possession game heading into the locker room.

“Hated our defense,” Brown said. “Gave up and fourth-and-4 and a fourth-and-10. You can’t do that and win games. The score right before the half was so important. We came back to answer and we get the ball to start the third quarter.

“…We didn’t know what they were going to run. We’ve never seen this quarterback before. He’s done a good job. They’re really tight splits. They’re not running a lot but they’re getting a lot of really quick passes. So we’re gonna have to pressure them more and get closer to those receivers because we’re giving up too many easy throws.”

Drake Maye will look to keep his hot streak going in the second half, while the North Carolina defense will hope to tighten things up and hang on for the win.