Joel Klatt says 'getting pressure on the quarterback' is key to Oregon-North Carolina matchup

Oregon and North Carolina square off in the Holiday Bowl Wednesday and FOX Sports’ analyst Joel Klatt revealed the key to the game. Getting pressure on the quarterback, be it Oregon’s Bo Nix or UNC’s Drake Maye, will be the deciding factor in the contest.

“Both of these defenses, I just said this earlier, they struggled this year,” Klatt said on his podcast. “They gave up way too many points and both of them struggled in a very key area for this matchup, which is getting pressure on the quarterback. I’m concerned about each of these defenses because (Bo Nix) was only sacked four times. 

“And that’s an offense that if you let him just sit there, like they’re going to be really good. You know that they’re going to run the ball. Their offensive line is tremendous. I really like Oregon’s offensive line and the way that they physically kind of beat you up, but then take shots.”

Klatt echoed those comments regarding the Tar Heels’ offense with Maye. Maye was in the running for the Heisman Trophy this season based on his performance in Year 1 as a starter.

“UNC if you don’t get pressure on Drake Maye, he’s gonna eat you up,” Klatt said. “I don’t care who’s out there, he’s good enough that regardless of who’s out there at wide receiver, he’s good enough to hurt you. If neither of them can produce any pressure on the opposite quarterback, take the over and here we go. This is a game that I think is going to have a ton of fireworks.”

This season, Maye has 4,115 yards, 35 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 67.2% completion percentage. 

On the flip side, Nix had the best season of his career after transferring from Auburn. He had 3,388 yards, 27 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 71.5% completion percentage.

“I can’t wait for this game,” Klatt said. “I’m not going to give a pick because I’m calling it but that’s that’s the key. Which defense can affect the quarterback the most and get to him cause him problems and then what are we going to have as far as skill position players on the outside after opt outs and portal? So that’s where that game is going to be won and lost.”

Both quarterbacks are back in 2023 for their respective teams and could both contend for a Heisman Trophy after standout campaigns.

No. 15 Oregon (9-3) takes on North Carolina (9-4) Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET. in the Holiday Bowl.