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UNC Football: Does Drake Maye have a shot at the Heisman?

By Drew Garrett

Sep 10, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) drops back to pass against the Georgia State Panthers in the first half at Center Parc Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) drops back to pass against the Georgia State Panthers in the first half at Center Parc Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a three-touchdown performance against Duke, UNC football standout Drake Maye continues to have an incredible year. However, is it enough for the Heisman?

Drake Maye has been stellar for the UNC football program.

Maye leads the country in touchdown passes (24-tied with Stroud), sixth in passing yards (2,283), and third in passer rating (184.8).

It’s clear that Drake Maye is having an exceptional season, but is it enough for the Heisman trophy?

Let’s look at his competition.

The betting favorite for the Heisman trophy right now is Ohio State Quarterback, CJ Stroud.

After finishing fourth in last year’s voting, Stroud has continued his excellent play for the Buckeyes. Stroud has thrown for 1,737 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading his team to a perfect 6-0 record.

Stroud is the clear frontrunner right now, but Tennessee Quarterback Hendon Hooker is closing that gap fast.

Hendon Hooker has led Tennessee to a perfect record, which includes the Vol’s big win over #3 Alabama.

In Saturday’s shootout, Hooker finished with 385 passing yards and 5 touchdowns. With 15 seconds remaining in regulation, Hooker conducted a 3-play 45-yard drive to put Tennessee in field goal range, where Chase McGrath would kick the game-winning field goal.

For Drake Maye to win the Heisman, he must gain the national attention these two have received.

Statistically, Maye is right with both Stroud and Hooker, but what sets them apart is their team success. North Carolina’s struggles on defense and close calls against teams like Georgia State and App State hurt Maye’s resume.

Although the odds are against him, there is a scenario where Drake Maye could win the Heisman.

With five regular season games left, finishing undefeated would surely help the Tar Heels gain the national media’s attention. If Maye continues his dominance in this stretch, he will surely be in the conversation.

Drake Maye will have the opportunity to increase his odds on October 29, when Pitt travels to Keenan Stadium.

Next. UNC Football earns commitment from Ayden Duncanson. dark

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