North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) breaks away from South Carolina’s Stone Blanton (52) in the second quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
Robert Willett
rwillett@newsobserver.com
Raleigh
The North Carolina Tar Heels opened their 2023 college football season with a win over the South Carolina Gamecock at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Saturday night, Sept. 2, 2023. The win was Mack Brown’s 100th as the Tar Heel head coach. The UNC defense sacked Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler multiple times during the game.
North Carolina running back British Brooks (24) breaks away from South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori (21) for a 8-yard gain after a pass from quarterback Drake Maye in the first quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Kobe Paysour (8) picks up eight yards after a pass completion from quarterback Drake Maye in the first quarter against South Carolina on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The Tar Heels enter Bank Of American Stadium for their season opening game against South Carolina on Saturday September 2, 2023 in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Desmond Evans (10) reacts after a sack of South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) for a nine-yard loss in the third quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) challenges South Carolina defensive back DQ Smith (1) during the second half of UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Desmond Evans (10) sacks South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) for a nine-yard loss in the third quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Andre Green Jr. (1) and Omarion Hampton (28) celebrate the Tar Heels’ Tar Heels’ 31-17 victory over South Carolina on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) celebrates the Tar Heels’ 31-17 victory over South Carolina with Amari Gainer (3) on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown embraces Armani Chapman (9) following the Tar Heels’ 31-17 victory over South Carolina on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
A North Carolina fan celebrates a Tar Heel touchdown during the second half of UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown is congratulated by South Carolina coach Shane Beamer following the Tar Heels’ 31-17 victory on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown thanks the crowd after UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina linebacker Kaimon Rucker (25) hits South Carolina running back Juju McDowell (0) for a loss during the second half of UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown and wide receiver Paul Bills II (11) watch the extra point attempt to secure a 31-14 lead over South Carolina in the third quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown has a word with quarterback Drake Maye (10) after a touchdown pass to John Copenhaver in the third quarter against South Carolina on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Beau Atkinson (12) sacks South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) for a six-yard loss in the third quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina tight end John Copenhaver (81) celebrates a 18-yard touchdown reception with Gavin Blackwell (2) during the second half of UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Desmond Evans (10) heads in to sack South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the second half of UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown checks on running back British Brooks (24), who was brought to tears after UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton (28) celebrates after scoring on a one yard run to give the Tar Heels a 24-14 lead over South Carolina in the third quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) celebrates the Tar Heels’ 31-17 victory over South Carolina on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina wide receiver J.J. Jones (5) encourages crowd as time runs out in UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown embraces Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell prior to the Tar Heels’ game against South Carolina on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina wide receiver Tez Walker (9) walks down the field before UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Eric Church, wearing Tez Walker’s jersey, walks out with the captains for the coin toss before UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Kobe Paysour (8) looks for running room against South Carolina’s Stone Blanton (52) in the second quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown glances at the replay after a dropped pass by Gavin Blackwell (2) turned the ball over to South Carolina in the second quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Kobe Paysour (8) celebrates with teammate Kamari Morales (88) after scoring a touchdown on a 34-yard pass from quarterback Drake Maye two give the Tar Heels a 17-14 lead in the second quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) prepares to pass during the second half of UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina linebacker Cedric Gray (33) tackles South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the first half of UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina linebacker Amari Gainer (3) sacks South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the second half of UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs for yards during the first half of UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown hugs running back British Brooks (24) after UNC’s 31-17 victory over South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina wide receiver J.J. Jones (5) celebrates after making a first down during the first half of UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina fans celebrate a Tar Heel touchdown during the first half of UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina linebacker Kaimon Rucker (25) tackles South Carolina running back Dakereon Joyner (5) during the first half of UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) passes just as he is hit by North Carolina linebacker Cedric Gray (33) during the first half of UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
The Tar Heels enter Bank Of American Stadium for their season opening game against South Carolina on Saturday September 2, 2023 in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina wide receiver Kobe Paysour (8) celebrates a 34-yard touchdown reception during the first half of UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) outruns South Carolina defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. (46) during the first half of UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) gains yards as South Carolina defensive back Keenan Nelson Jr. (18) tries to slow him down during the first half of UNC’s game against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton (28) celebrates after scoring on a one yard run to give the Tar Heels a 24-14 lead over South Carolina in the third quarter on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
This story was originally published September 2, 2023 at 7:31 PM.
.JPG "RAL_12UNCUSC-SP-090223-RTW (1).JPG")
