Mac Brown delivers wake-up call for UNC football after first scrimmage

Mac Brown delivered a fiery speech after North Carolina football wrapped up its first scrimmage over the weekend.

When asked about the game plan for the Tar Heels’ first live-action as they prepare for the season, the UNC coach delivered a clear message.

“It was totally about we’ve got to start separating guys on how many plays, who are the guys that are gonna make a difference in the game, and who are the guys that can wrestle,” Brown said. “And that’s what we’re really focused on again this week. “We’re a preseason Top-10 team with a whole lot of work to do. And that’s the message to the players is don’t sit around and start thinking about yourself.”

Mac Brown on being prepared for Virginia Tech

On September 3, North Carolina will make the road trip to Blacksburg in a critical early test against a formidable ACC Coastal Division opponent in Virginia Tech.

Brown reiterated his team hasn’t accomplished anything in 2021 yet.

“We’re going to a hostile place that’s a very well coached football team in Virginia Tech that doesn’t like us very much and has a circle around our head.,” Brown said. “So get better. Quit talking about how good you are and continue to get better.” 

Last season, the Hokies’ defense couldn’t find a way to slow down UNC quarterback Sam Howell and the high-octane North Carolina offense.

The Tar Heels’ opened up the game with 21-straight points, and closed out the 56-45 victory with 656 yards of total offense, the second-most Virginia Tech had allowed in program history.

While Howell will have an experienced offensive line, he will look to replicate last season’s performance without the skill players who gave the Hokies so much trouble in 2020. Running back Michael Carter averaged 10.1 yards per carry in the last two matchups against Virginia Tech, while wide-receiver Dazz Newsome posted 16 catches for 181 yards and three touchdowns.

Both Carter and Newsome are gone to the NFL, along with running back Javonte Williams and wide-receiver Dyami Brown.

All four top offensive skill players for North Carolina have moved on and the Virginia Tech defense is much-improved under second-year defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton.

It’s clear why the UNC football coach isn’t taking the season opener for granted.