UNC Football: Media Reactions to Drake Maye’s Performance vs. Pitt

Drake Maye’s performance against a feisty Pitt defense, especially in the fourth quarter, has gotten a lot of attention from national football pundits. After Israel Abanikanda scored his third touchdown of the night with 10 minutes left in the third quarter to put the Panthers up 24-14, Drake Maye said “Enough of this shit” and led UNC’s offense on four straight touchdown drives, which put the game to bed.

Tar Heel fans and local media are familiar with Maye’s work. Carolina had soft predictions going into the 2022 season, especially with the departure of Sam Howell, but before our very eyes, something bigger and brighter is taking shape. With a primetime game on ACC Network, more folks got a chance to see Maye put up heavy-duty numbers in a statement win for North Carolina.

Here’s what folks are saying about Drake Maye, a now legitimate candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

Robert Griffin III, former Baylor quarterback and current ESPN college football analyst:

Ryan McGee, ESPN senior writer:

Pat Forde, Sports Illustrated senior writer:

Eric MacLain, ACC Network college football analyst:

Jordan Cornette, ESPN & ACC Network college football host and analyst:

Tate Frazier, Fox Sports college basketball podcaster and UNC legend:

Bryan Ives, ESPN producer and UNC legend:

Pat McAfee, sports entertainer, ESPN College Gameday, WWE Smackdown:

Danny Kanell, CBS Sports college football analyst:

With Carolina’s surprising 7-1 record and #17 national ranking, Drake Maye should continue to have eyeballs glued on him, especially when the Tar Heels head to Truist Field on November 12th to take on Wake Forest in a likely prime-time game. If UNC can clinch the Coastal Division, it will give the Heels another opportunity to perform against Clemson in the ACC Championship game, and if they somehow pull off an upset with performances from Maye, who can say what recognition he’ll receive come season’s end?