All Tar Heels

UNC Football: Drake Maye Joins Exclusive Club in Program History

Drake Maye is the fourth UNC football quarterback to surpass 400 yards in a game three times.

Matt Giles

UNC football quarterback Drake Maye (Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports)
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In UNC football's 31-13 home win over Minnesota on Sept. 16, Tar Heel gem Drake Maye became one of only five quarterbacks in program history to record a second 400-yard passing game.

Three weeks later, including UNC's bye week last weekend, the redshirt sophomore has three such outings to his name following the No. 14 Tar Heels' 40-7 victory over Syracuse in Kenan Memorial Stadium on Saturday to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 1997.

Maye's three 400-yard games tie Sam Howell, Mitch Trubisky, and TJ Yates for the school record.

Saturday marked UNC's fifth straight game with at least 30 points, as Maye guided the Tar Heels to a dominant start and never looked back while connecting with 11 different targets for receptions.

As UNC entered halftime with a 27-0 lead over the juiceless Orange, Drake Maye boasted more completions (23) than the Syracuse offense had snaps (22).

The 21-year-old finished with 442 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions through the air on a 33-for-47 clip. He also ran for 43 yards and one score.

Syracuse head coach Dino Babers left impressed.

"Pick something," Babers said to the media in response to a question about what stood out in Maye's performance. "He used his legs. He kept himself protected. When we played zone, he was on the money. That's a high-draftable quarterback. We said that coming in today, and I still feel that way."

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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