Who did College GameDay hosts pick to win, UNC or South Carolina? What do the coaches think?

North and South Carolina football kicked off the season in exciting fashion, hosting College GameDay in Charlotte.

The morning went as many would expect. There were signs with trash talk (“North Carolina barbecue is better than South Carolina football,” and “Tar Heel by birth, Gamecock by the grace of God”), suggestive references (“Cock blockers” in reference to North Carolina) and funny puns (“Podiatrists versus Urologists”).

Of course, there were nods about which state is better, and plenty of opinions from each fanbase.

ESPN host Desmond Howard even said, “These people are so adamant about how much they hate each other.”

The Tar Heels’ Mack Brown and Gamecocks’ Shane Beamer, however, spent a large portion of their pregame interview talking about how much respect and love they have for each other and the opposing programs.

Both coaches love the rivalry between their teams and what it brings to the sport.

“It’s a border state rivalry, which is really cool. We’re playing halfway between, and it’s special,” Brown said. “We’re losing some of this with realignment. We’ve got to make sure that we keep neat games and cool games that people care about, because it’s really about the fans. The players want to play this game. The coaches want to play this game. I love Shane. I love his family. I grew up with his dad in coaching. That’s what makes this game really special.”

Beamer shared similar thoughts, saying many people worried about what realignment would do to rivalry games. He mentioned Bedlam between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, and added that he hopes Duke’s Mayo Classic continues.

Additionally, Beamer complimented Brown’s character and career.

“Coach Brown alluded to the respect that my family and myself has for Coach Brown and his career and his success, but also the way that he does things as a leader of his program,” Beamer said. “I learned a lot from him and rely on him a lot.”

Changes in offensive leadership

Both teams feature new assistant coaches on offense. Brown added Clyde Christensen as a volunteer analyst in the offseason. Christensen’s resume includes work with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck. The Tar Heels added Chip Lindsey as their offensive coordinator and QBs coach, as well. Lindsey previously served as Troy’s head coach and UCF’s offensive coordinator.

Beamer hired Dowell Loggains as his OC/QBs coach in the offseason. Loggains spent the last two seasons at Arkansas and previously served in the NFL.

“Shane’s got a new offensive coordinator, so we’ve got no clue what they’re going to do,” Brown said. “We’ve got a new offensive coordinator, so they’ve got no clue what we’re gonna do.”

A Carolina quarterback battle

Speaking of Maye, he is one of the favorites to win the 2023 Heisman Trophy and part of the “First Family” of Chapel Hill.

His brother, Luke, hit the game-winning shot against Kentucky back in the 2017 NCAA Tournament en route to the national title. His father, Mark, started at QB for the Tar Heels. Another one of his older brothers, Beau, played basketball in Carolina blue, as well.

The result of the rivalry should give the college football world a better idea of Carolina’s potential this season with him in the backfield once again.

“I just want him to kind of exceed what I did at Carolina and what my dad did,” Luke Maye said. “I want him to be the best. I know he can be the best quarterback in the country.”

Spencer Rattler followed Beamer to Columbia after spending three seasons at Oklahoma. He boasts a 23-7 record as a starter, going 8-5 in 2022.

In 2022, both players made 66% of their passes. Rattler finished with 3,026 passing yards to Maye’s 4,321. The Tar Heel led with 38 touchdowns to seven interceptions, while the Gamecock went 18-12.

“Drake and Spencer are two of the best in the country. That’s why we’re sitting here, honestly,” Brown said. “That’s why this game is so important. People are gonna love watching it.”

Who did the GameDay hosts pick to win?

Kirk Herbstreit: South Carolina

Lee Corso: North Carolina

Pat McAfee: North Carolina

Darius Rucker (guest picker): South Carolina — “by 90”

Desmond Howard: North Carolina