Mack Brown evaluates the similarities between Bo Nix, Drake Maye

Oregon and North Carolina is a great matchup in the Holiday Bowl on paper but it’s also a great quarterback battle between Bo Nix and Drake Maye. North Carolina head coach Mack Brown saw a lot of similarities in both signal callers.

Nix and Maye were highly touted recruits and both received Heisman Trophy buzz at some point this season. Nix announced his return to Oregon for 2023 and Maye will play at least one more before heading to the NFL.

But it’ll surely be fun to watch them both on the same field, according to Brown.

“I would say the same thing. We watched Bo for years,” Brown said. “We saw him at Auburn, and I saw him make some unbelievable comebacks in the SEC. Then to see him transfer, and his dad is a coach, and he gets it. He is raised a lot like Drake in a coaching family, and Mark coached Drake for years in seven-on-seven and him being brought up.”

Brown went deeper in terms of both quarterback’s traits.

“They’re both tall,” Brown said. “They can both see. They can run. They can make plays with their feet. You can’t sack him. He runs so much better than people even think. The other thing that they’re both so competitive. You think about modern day football. Bo is playing in the game, which a lot of quarterbacks would not be. He also is deciding to come back when he was the top draft pick, so he loves ball. He loves Oregon. He loves what they’re doing, and that’s the same with Drake.”

A talent like Maye could lead North Carolina to even bigger heights next season as he opted to not hit the transfer portal this cycle.

In 13 games, Maye had 4,115 yards, 35 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 67.2% completion percentage.

Nix had the best statistical season of his career after three years at Auburn. In 12 games, Nix had 3,388 yards, 27 touchdowns, six interceptions, a 71.5% completion percentage,  504 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.

Nix also decided to play in the Holiday Bowl instead of opting out to protect himself.“That [decision] was kind of easy for me,” Nix said. “I just really enjoy playing football, enjoy playing for Oregon. I enjoy playing for Lanning. So, anytime I have that opportunity, I’m gonna make the most of it.”