Mack Brown discusses Drake Maye's response to UNC committing more to the run

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye took a bit of a backseat on Saturday as the Tar Heels defeated Appalachian State in double overtime. Maye did not throw a touchdown the entire game as UNC’s offense leaned on running back Omarion Hampton, who finished with a career-high 234 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Tar Heels coach Mack Brown explained in a Monday press conference that riding Hampton’s hot streak was the best way to win the game. He added that Maye is more concerned with winning than any individual stats, and the quarterback was supportive of that game plan.

“Drake’s wonderful and we only want to win,” Brown said. “Period. 100%. We’re not into any of the other stuff. Somebody asked Drake after the game ‘What about you not throwing it as much?’ or something. He said, ‘I would’ve handed it to Omarion too. Nobody could stop him.’ So it’s about winning games. That’s all it’s about and Drake’s totally about that.”

Maye wasn’t completely quiet on Saturday. He came up big when the Tar Heels needed him most to score a 13-yard touchdown run in the second overtime that ultimately won the game. It proved that regardless of how the game has gone up until that point, UNC can count on its star QB with the game on the line.

Maye finished the contest 21-of-30 passing for 208 yards and did not throw an interception. He also added 57 yards rushing on 11 carries. The quarterback entered the year with Heisman aspirations, and Brown still believes he is capable of being that kind of player.

“He had one of the best drives I’ve ever seen,” the coach said. “A Heisman drive at the end of the game. He made plays with his feet. He played great. If you are insinuating that we should throw it every time to make him look better, we’re gonna win. Saturday night that wasn’t the best way to win.”

UNC’s passing attack was one of the best in the country last season, ranking 11th with 309.3 air yards per game. Maye broke the school single-season record for passing yards (4,321) and threw for 38 touchdowns on his way to being named a freshman All-American.

That in mind, the offense expects to lean on him this year. But if the running game can also prove itself a threat, it only makes the Tar Heels a more dangerous team as they aim to compete for an ACC Championship.

Drake Maye will be ready to make an impact yet again when North Carolina takes on Minnesota 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Chapel Hill.