Dan Lanning discusses the difficulty of facing UNC QB Drake Maye

Drake Maye has broken out as a star during this college football season. The redshirt freshman took full advantage of his first season as a starter at North Carolina with highly productive stats that helped the Tar Heels bounce back in 2022. He’s the engine behind UNC and, because of that, he’s the focal point for Dan Lanning as Oregon prepares to defend him this week in the Holiday Bowl.

Lanning complimented Maye and his play during a press conference earlier this month. He said he’s already talented but that North Carolina’s offense allows him to showcase the best of his skillset.

“He’s a good quarterback. There’s a lot of things that go into being a good quarterback. The decision-making, ability to throw the ball into tight spaces. And they have an offense where they can,” said Lanning. “He gets the opportunities to make decisions. (And) he’s shown he can do that at a really high level…He’s a dynamic player.

Maye threw for the third most yards in the nation this season with 4,115 over his 13 games. He also finished sixth in the NCAA in touchdowns with 35 to go with only seven interceptions. His numbers played a big part in the Tar Heel offense that averaged 35 points per game, which helped his team finish 9-4 on the season.

Lanning is aware of the handful Maye has been this season and, now, it’s his team’s responsibility to slow him down. Maye already being without his leading receiver will help, but his decision making, as Lanning described, will play a role no matter who plays in Carolina’s receiving corp.

If Oregon can lock in and keep him from having another great performance, it will go a long way toward their chances of bringing home the program’s first bowl win since 2019.

Lanning previews bowl matchup against North Carolina

Oregon will face a tough test in the Holiday Bowl this week as they’ll face off with North Carolina. The Tar Heels boast one of the nation’s best offenses and will be a challenge for the Ducks to slow down. However, with how balanced they’ve shown to be throughout this season, Dan Lanning is confident in his team to be able to handle the challenge that UNC presents.

Lanning gave some early thoughts on North Carolina during his media availability following practice a little over a week ago. Lanning says he has a ton of respect for the Carolina staff. He also realizes how prepared his team will have to be to handle Mack Brown’s program.

“They’re a good team. Got a lot of respect for Coach Brown, the job that he’s done there. Obviously they played for a championship in their conference,” said Lanning. “Really explosive on offense, got a great quarterback. They’ve done a lot of things. I’ve worked with some of the guys that they have on their defensive staff. I think they do a really good job. So it’s a great opponent.

“You want to play a good team. And we got fortunate enough to play a good team in a bowl game.”