Mack Brown explains difference between this team vs last years team

There is something different about North Carolina football this season, and no, not just the players on the field. The Tar Heels have a different feeling about them this year that was missing in the years prior. For those of us outside of the program, it might be difficult to pinpoint just what that is. But North Carolina head coach Mack Brown knows exactly what the difference is and explained that in a press conference recently.

“I told the players, the other day, I think the difference in this year’s team and last year’s team is not talent,” said Brown. “We were talented last year. We were good enough to win games, and we could have won these same games last year that we’re winning this year, because we’ve lost six on the road. The difference is the way that they started in January and their attention to detail; they have become a player-led team.”

That difference has been noticeable in all three phases of the game. But where Brown has noticed a particular increase of ownership by his players has been defensively. And he took the time to point out two players who have stepped up as leaders for his defense this season.

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“I’m usually having to walk over there last year and stir up the defense. I see Gio Biggers and Cedric Gray pulling them all together and challenging them in a positive way and doing such a great job. and I see the same thing on offense. So culture, whatever we call it, of this team has been, we’re going to find ways to win, and we’re going to make sure that we’re all in, play hard every week, and we’re going to do the little things we need to do to win and this team has done that,” said Brown.

North Carolina has the opportunity to continue to build off of an already impressive season with an ACC title. However, before the Tar Heels start thinking about their matchup against Clemson, they will first have to handle their business against Georgia Tech, followed by a showdown with in-state rival North Carolina State.