After beating Florida A&M 56-24. the UNC football program faces a tough test on Saturday afternoon. They are traveling to Boone, North Carolina to face Appalachian State in the Mountaineer’s home opener.
Heading to Kidd Brewer Stadium, North Carolina is under the same scrutiny they faced in the season opener against Virginia Tech last season, which will be a tough environment to play in.
Can they get it done on the road?
There is no denying the struggles UNC has faced on the road versus when they are playing in Kenan Stadium. They had not won a road game since December 12th, 2020, when they clobbered Miami 62 to 26. After that, they lost seven straight games on the road or in neutral territories.
This game is just the third time UNC will play ASU, losing to them 34-31 in 2019. Since then, the Mountaineers have only improved with a 19-7 record in the last two seasons, including two bowl victories. A team known for their defense could cause significant hiccups in North Carolina’s offensive game plan.
Drake Maye played exceptionally well to open the season, becoming the first Tar Heel player to throw five touchdowns in a career start. However, that was against Florida A&M, and ASU poses a much more significant threat to the offense.
This game will be the first test for UNC, with week zero feeling more like a scrimmage game than a season opener. North Carolina has the opportunity to make a statement and build confidence for the rest of the year.
Can UNC keep Drake Maye clean?
Aug 27, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass during the first half against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Appalachian pass rush will be ferocious, with outside linebacker Nick Hampton leading the charge. Last season Hampton led ASU in sacks(11) which also tied for 10th in the NCAA. Keeping the true freshman Maye clean…
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