UNC football quarterback Drake Maye, Tar Heels’ defense beat South Carolina

CHARLOTTE – UNC football didn't get its best from quarterback Drake Maye, but the Tar Heels' defense stepped up in a 31-17 win against South Carolina.

Maye completed 24-of-32 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns as the Tar Heels pulled away in an impressive second half against the Gamecocks in the Duke’s Mayo Classic. UNC running back British Brooks had 103 rushing yards.

UNC’s defense had 16 tackles for loss, including nine sacks, in front of a South Carolina-heavy crowd at Bank of America Stadium. It was UNC coach Mack Brown's 100th win with the Tar Heels.

Here are some observations from the Tar Heels’ first game of the 2023 season and a look at its next opponent.

UNC football defense, Kaimon Rucker swarm South Carolina

The Tar Heels’ defense had an up-and-down first half with three stops and 14 points allowed, but its relentless pressure in the second half overwhelmed South Carolina’s offense. Edge rusher Kaimon Rucker had eight tackles, including 5½ for loss, and UNC used a 14-3 edge in the second half to pull away.

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UNC tight ends, Kobe Paysour step up with Tez Walker, Nate McCollum sidelined

UNC felt the absence of wide receivers Tez Walker and Nate McCollum, but sophomore wide receiver Kobe Paysour and the Tar Heels' tight ends eased the pain with a solid outing. UNC tight ends Kamari Morales, John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit combined for nine catches, 120 yards and a touchdown. Paysour had seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. Walker remains ineligible as a two-time transfer and McCollum missed the game with a lower-body injury.

UNC quarterback Drake Maye up and down in return to Bank of America Stadium

The last time Drake Maye played at Bank of America Stadium, UNC’s quarterback had two interceptions – including a pick-six – in a 39-10 loss to Clemson in last season’s ACC Championship. Maye had an up-and-down performance against the Gamecocks with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

App State up next for UNC

The last time the Mountaineers came to Chapel Hill, they left with a 34-31 victory in 2019. App State nearly did it again last season in a basketball-type game against the Tar Heels, who survived with a 63-61 win in Boone.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC football: Tar Heels beat South Carolina