University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Minnesota
Football Hosts Minnesota In First-Ever Matchup
September 15, 2023 | Football
Who:
No. 20 North Carolina (2-0, 0-0 ACC) vs. Minnesota (2-0, 1-0 Big 10)
Where:
Kenan Stadium – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 – 3:30 p.m. – ESPN
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The Lead: After a thrilling, double-overtime victory in the home opener against App State, the North Carolina Tar Heels return to Kenan Stadium for their first-ever matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Tar Heels are 2-0 for the fourth time in the last five seasons since head coach Mack Brown returned to Chapel Hill.
Storylines:
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This is the first-ever matchup between North Carolina and Minnesota.
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Carolina is 52-22 as a ranked team in Mack Brown's 15 seasons.
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In last week's 40-34 victory, it marked the 20th time the Tar Heels have scored 40 or more points since Brown returned to UNC in 2019.
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Entering week three, North Carolina is tied for ninth in the FBS in rushing offense. Through two games, the Tar Heels are averaging 243.5 yards per game.
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Last week, Drake Maye passed Mitch Trubisky for sixth place all-time in passing yards with 4,887.
From The Notes:
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North Carolina is tied for 10th in the FBS with seven tackles for loss given up through two games.
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Last week was Carolina's first win without a passing touchdown since 2015 against Virginia.
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North Carolina has won 11 games in a row when they gain 400 or more yards in a game.
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Last week was Drake Maye's 20th game as a starter with 20 or more completions.
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Last week, UNC's offense gained 527 yards. It was the 23rd time since Brown returned UNC gained 500 or more yards.
Switching Sides:
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Now 2-0 on the season, the Gophers are looking to start 3-0 for the fifth time in seven years under P.J. Fleck.
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Darius Taylor has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after a dominant performance against Eastern Michigan. A true freshman, Taylor rushed 33 times for 193 yards and one touchdown in Minnesota's 25-6 win.Â
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Saturday's trip to North Carolina marks the first road game of the season for Minnesota. It is 61-65-9 all-time in road openers, including a 4-2 mark under head coach P.J. Fleck.
- The 2023 campaign is the seventh for head coach P.J. Fleck at Minnesota, where he holds a record of 46-27. He is already fifth in program history for overall wins and Big Ten wins (27) and sixth in games coached (73). Fleck's .630 win percentage is third best among the Minnesota coaches with at least 45 games under their helm.
Mack's Weekly Press Conference:
