MINNEAPOLIS — Head coach Mack Brown’s intention to utilize two quarterbacks took an unexpected turn on Thursday as graduate quarterback Max Johnson was injured during the game against Minnesota.
With just three minutes left in the third quarter, Johnson was tackled by Minnesota’s Justin Walley. As he hit the ground, Johnson immediately clutched his leg in pain and did not get up. Medical staff had to assist him off the field, putting him on a cart for further evaluation.
Sophomore Conner Harrell stepped in to take over the quarterback duties. In a tightly contested season opener, North Carolina narrowly defeated Minnesota 19-17 at Huntington Bank Stadium. Harrell led a crucial final drive that resulted in graduate place-kicker Noah Burnette’s successful 45-yard field goal, sealing the victory for the Tar Heels.
Senior linebacker Power Echols expressed the team’s determination after Johnson’s injury, saying, “We looked at [Johnson], we said, ‘We got you. We’re going to win this for you.’”
After a lengthy competition for the starting quarterback position during the offseason, Johnson was named the starter and led the team on their opening drive. Just a week prior, Coach Brown had indicated he hoped to utilize both quarterbacks based on the unfolding game situation.