Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Football: No Sam Howell, No Problem

By Richard Adkins

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 20: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to the bench during the second half of their game against the Wofford Terriers at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 34-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 20: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to the bench during the second half of their game against the Wofford Terriers at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 34-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The UNC football program was without Sam Howell today, giving UNC fans their first look at what next season could look like.

A game with high emotions as the seniors took their final run out of the tunnel, welcomed by Carolina blue smoke and loud cheers. This game looked a lot different from what UNC football fans have been accustomed to seeing with Davey O’Brien semi-finalist Sam Howell being listed as OUT right before game time.

Despite Howell not leading the huddle, that didn’t stop the Tar Heels from leading the entire way.

Wofford had zero answers for Carolina’s offense as both the run and pass game walked the Terriers all game long. The beauty of this game was that even though it was the seniors’ last time performing in Kenan Stadium, it was the newbies who stole the spotlight.

In the first half it was the Jacolby Criswell show as the sophomore used his mobility and arm to move the chains against Wofford. Criswell threw for 125 passing yards on 11 for 19 completion rate and also tacked on 66 rushing yards on just five carries with a rushing touchdown. The four-star prospect kept the offense at float while the defense had Wofford’s offense in deep waters.

Carolina went into the half with a comfortable 20 to 7 lead.

In the second half, Carolina switched gears, bringing in freshman Drake Maye. The four-star recruit  didn’t have to wait long to have his first snap of the season after Kyler McMichael intercepted Wofford quarterback Peyton Derrick. The interception ignited the crowd and the offense added more fuel to the fire after running back British Brooks found the end zone for a second time with a 14 yard rushing touchdown. Brooks had a coming-out party of his own, finishing with 89 yards on 7 carries and 2 touchdowns.

At this point the game was clearly in Carolina’s hands, and Maye made sure the win wasn’t fumbled, tossing 7 for 9 completions with 1 touchdown in the second half. Maye also showed that he could keep Wofford guessing with his ability to move the chains with his feet, adding 36 rushing yards.

Carolina wins 34-14.

An overall expected, dominant performance that sent off the seniors and showcased the future of Carolina. The UNC football program is now bowl eligible and will have their final show down of the regular season next week against 25th ranked (7-3) NC State.

Next. Ty Chandler reached 1,000 yard mark. dark

For more on the UNC Football program, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

Home/UNC Football