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3 takeaways from Oregon’s Holiday Bowl win over North Carolina

By Michael Thompson

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks holds up the Holiday Bowl trophy after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 28-27 in the San Diego Credit Union Holiday Bowl game at PETCO Park on December 28, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks holds up the Holiday Bowl trophy after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 28-27 in the San Diego Credit Union Holiday Bowl game at PETCO Park on December 28, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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In what was the most anticipated bowl game so far during this holiday season, the first Holiday Bowl since 2019 absolutely delivered between Oregon and North Carolina.

The #15 ranked Oregon Ducks and the North Carolina Tar Heels, both looking for their 10th victory of the season, battled to the very last second. The Ducks, down 24-14 with just over 9 minutes left in the game, roared back for a stunning 28-27 victory over UNC in the 2022 Holiday Bowl.

The victory salvaged a disappointing end to the regular season for Oregon, while the Tar Heels fourth loss in a row completes the nosedive of a once promising season.

Here are our 3 biggest takeaways from the 2022 Holiday Bowl

Marvelous Mr. Maye

Even in defeat, and outmatched by a far superior opponent, Drake Maye was the best player on the field at Petco Park. The fabulous redshirt freshman showed why so many college teams this year, and NFL teams next year will be clamoring for his services.

The future franchise quarterback finished the game completing 51% of his throws for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns while rushing for 45 yards. The stats are not impressive, especially when you look at the numbers he’s put up this season. What was impressive was his ability to carry his team.

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Not having Josh Downs made his job tough enough, and Maye had a collapsing pocket on him all day. Still, he kept plays alive and threw high-level NFL throws, completing numerous 3rd down conversions, and some gorgeous touchdown passes that impressed Fox analyst Joel Klatt that had seen both Bryce Young and CJ Stroud this season.

Drake Maye may have lost the game, but he was one of the winners tonight and will be someone football fans will be watching for years to come.

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