The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>NC State football vs UNC football is strength-on-strength with the Wolfpack defense, led by Payton Wilson, going against the Tar Heel offense, led by QB Drake Maye.</p> <p>Former NC State football QB Mike Glennon discusses with Tim Donnelly what it's like playing in the rivalry, and how Brennan Armstrong of NC State football and UNC QB Drake Maye will impact the game for their respective teams.</p> <p>Glennon also offers some insight on Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young and his development. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers dropped to 1-9 on the season after a 33-10 loss as home to the Dallas Cowboys. There are questions about head coach Frank Reich and if he's on the 'hot seat' and may potentially be fired. Tim Donnelly says a loss to the 3-7 Tennessee Titans would be far worse for Reich, Bryce Young, and the Carolina Panthers.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly points out that the schedule is not the toughest in the NFL for the Panthers moving forward, which could possibly allow Bryce Young to play in close games and gain experience in close games.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly gives credit to Duke basketball and head coach Jon Scheyer for scheduling two tough opponents early in the season, allowing the Blue Devils to learn their weaknesses, allowing them to adjust appropriately early in the year.</p> <p>Also, sports topics and conversations to avoid at the Thanksgiving dinner table. </p>

<p>During Cop or Drop, Dennis Cox poses questions to Tim Donnelly about the Carolina Panthers, the firing of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada, if Florida State football can make it to the College Football Playoff after the season ending injury to Jordan Travis, and more. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young doesn't have much around him when it comes to protection from the offensive line, or great skill players, but Tim Donnelly points out that Young can perform better. Donnelly points that Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes didn't have great stats vs the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night football, and the skill players dropped a lot of passes, but that Mahomes still looked like the best player on the field.</p> <p>If the Carolina Panthers move on from head coach Frank Reich during or after the 2023 season, is the job an attractive one to potential candidates? Tim Donnelly points out how Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports noted how 'sharks' are looking at the Panthers coaching job. Donnelly says that the appeal of the job has to be Bryce Young.</p>

<p>NC State football and UNC football are both 8-3 going into their rivalry matchup. Tim Donnelly points that NC State and head coach Dave Doeren have the most to gain from a win over North Carolina and head coach Mack Brown.</p> <p>Plus, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox put on their tin foil hats as they go through conspiracy theories of where Duke football coach Mike Elko could be headed for a potential new job. </p>

<p>NC State football improved to 8-3 after defeating Virginia Tech, 35-28, which saw QB Brennan Armstrong account for four touchdowns (2 passing, 2 rushing). Tim Donnelly says the Wolfpack are rallying through adversity and behind Armstrong as they get ready for a rivalry matchup with UNC football.</p>

<p>After a loss on the road at Virginia football, Tim Donnelly wonders if Duke football's loss to UVA football is a result of being 'distracted' by the potential of head coach Mike Elko taking a job at Texas A&M football, or Michigan State football. </p> <p>Also, the Carolina Hurricanes are in search of consistency after a 4-2 win on Saturday over the Pittsburgh Penguins. </p>

<p>The North Carolina Tar Heels lost to Clemson football, 31-20, despite UNC football and QB Drake Maye being a better team for much of the game. Also, UNC football head coach Mack Brown discusses the state of the program when it comes to the transfer portal.</p> <p>The Carolina Panthers dropped to 1-9 on the season after a 33-10 loss as home to the Dallas Cowboys. Tim Donnelly says the confidence level in Bryce Young can't rise because he's caught in a bad situation with a porous offensive line, and lack of quality skilled players around him.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers dropped to 1-9 on the season after a 33-10 loss as home to the Dallas Cowboys. There are questions about head coach Frank Reich and if he's on the 'hot seat' and may potentially be fired. Tim Donnelly says the problems go beyond Frank Reich, but feels Reich's days might be numbered if owner David Tepper wants to move on to a different coach to QB Bryce Young.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly points out that in the six seasons that David Tepper has been the owner, the Carolina Panthers have had losing seasons in each of those years, have gone through multiple head coaches, quarterbacks, and general managers.</p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discussed the news from UNC football spokesperson Jemery Sharpe that head coach Mack Brown is not retiring, Jaycee Horn being ruled out for the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, and the Carolina Hurricanes vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins tomorrow night. Also, all three ACC teams are in action for basketball tonight. Plus, is Panthers head coach Frank Reich now coaching for his job against the Cowboys on Sunday?</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers' defense better buckle up this Sunday as they take on an explosive Dallas Cowboys offense. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero spoke with the media and described how the Cowboys' offense can dictate the coverage they face. Tim Donnelly shares what the Panthers have to do to stop the offense. </p> <p>Also, the North Carolina Tar Heels take on the Clemson Tigers in a crucial ACC matchup tomorrow at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. The Tar Heels are currently 8-2 overall and 4-2 in the ACC, while Clemson is 6-4 overall and 3-4 in the ACC. Mack Brown and the Tar Heels are looking to bounce back from their poor performance in the ACC Championship game against the Tigers last season. Tim Donnelly explains how this is an opportunity for North Carolina to redeem themselves from previous mistakes this season.</p>

<p>The Duke Blue Devils will face off against the Virginia Cavaliers in Charlottesville in their final ACC road game. Both teams are looking to end their season on a high note, as Duke is looking to bounce back after their double overtime loss to North Carolina last weekend. Tim Donnelly explains how significant this game is for the Blue Devils' confidence, but also head coach Mike Elko.</p> <p>Also, the NC State Wolfpack takes on the Virginia Tech Hokies in a pivotal ACC matchup tomorrow at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia. The Wolfpack have won three straight and are looking to keep the momentum going against a 5-5 overall, 4-2 in the ACC Hokies team. Tim Donnelly shares how NC State needs to keep the same energy behind Brennan Armstrong at quarterback.</p>

<p>The Dallas Cowboys take on the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in a crucial evaluation game for head coach Frank Reich. The Cowboys are second in the NFC East, while the Panthers are last in the NFC South. After Reich announced earlier in the week that he’d be taking back over the play-calling responsibilities, Tim Donnely explains how he could be coaching for his job this Sunday.</p> <p>Also, UNC football spokesperson Jeremy Sharpe recently addressed the rumors of head coach Mack Brown retiring after the season. He stated that Mack Bown is not retiring after the season. Tim Donnelly discussed the possible reasons behind the decision, the impact of it on the program, and what it means for the future of UNC football next season.</p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes lost the Philadelphia Flyers, 3-1, and there are concerns about the Canes being 9-7 through 16 games. Tim Donnelly points out how leaders on the team like Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook, along with head coach Rod Brind-Amour, have question the consistency and 'buy-in' of the team.</p> <p>Also, will Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper be patient enough to properly build a sustainable, winning team? </p>

<p>Duke football head coach Mike Elko is the betting favorite to be the next head coach of Texas A&M football to replace Jimbo Fisher. Duke must have a sit-down conversation with Mike Elko about the possibility of taking the Texas A&M job to see if they can keep Elko, and also to prepare themselves to make sure they have the next coach in case Elko does leave.</p> <p>Also, which NFL team drafting high in the 2024 NFL Draft is best for for UNC QB Drake Maye? </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers EDGE/OLB Brian Burns is ranked as the No. 1 potential NFL free agent in 2024 by ESPN. Tim Donnelly says that the Carolina Panthers have to make sure Burns doesn't reach free agency, whether it's a long-term contract, franchise tag, or potentially a trade.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is taking back over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Thomas Brown after turning the duties over three games ago. Tim Donnelly points that Frank Reich is coaching for his job, and that owner David Tepper is influencing decisions.</p>

<p>What are Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox most confident about, and concerned with, when it comes to ACC football schools in the state of North Carolina.</p> <p>Also, former ECU WR Tyler Snead is competing with the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup in the Canadian Football League. </p>

<p>Duke men's basketball got a top-25 win as they defeated Michigan State in the Champions Classic, led by freshman Caleb Foster's 18 points, including 16 in the 2nd half.</p> <p>Also, the College Football Playoff rankings featured Florida State football at No. 4,. but the disrespect for ACC football continues. </p>

<p>Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson is out for the reason due to a shoulder injury. Tim Donnelly says that not matter how bad things might go for the Carolina Panthers when it comes to QB Bryce Young, the trade to move up to No. 1 in the 2023 NFL Draft will never be as close to how bad the trade the Browns made with the Houston Texans to acquire Watson.</p> <p>Also, the latest with the Carolina Hurricanes, Duke football coach Mike Elko's odds of taking the Texas A&M football job, and more, in 'Hit It & Quit It.'</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is taking back over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Thomas Brown after turning the duties over three games ago. Tim Donnelly points out how bad this is for rookie QB Bryce Young, and that the constant change of voices is terrible for Young's development.</p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discussed the Denver Broncos' 24-22 victory over the Buffalo Bills last night on Monday Night Football. Jaycee Horn's 21-day practice window opening up now that he's been taking off injured reserved, and Payton Wilson's defensive player of the year campaign is beginning. Also, the New York Jets released former North Carolina running back Michael Carter. Plus, could Frank Reich be considered taking play-calling back from offensive coordinator Thomas Brown? </p>

<p>Dianna Russini, Senior NFL insider for The Athletic, hinted at former Houston Texans General Manager and Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien joining the Carolina Panthers staff. Tim Donnelly appreciates Russini offering a solution to the Panthers' problem. Tim explains how O’Brien speaks the same language as Young since he was Young’s offensive coordinator at Alabama.</p> <p>Also, NC State women's basketball defeated No. 2 UConn 92-81 this past Sunday to improve the team to 2-0 to start the season. NC State’s leading scorer was Junior Gaurd Saniya River, who contributed 33 points as the Wolfpack stunned the Huskies inside Reynolds Coliseum. Rivers joined Tim Donnelly to discuss the program’s big win and her impact on the team since transferring from South Carolina.</p>

<p>Brian Murphy, WRAL sports investigative reporter, joined Tim Donnelly to give us the latest update on sports betting in North Carolina. The state lottery commission released a catalog of sports to place wagers on. Also, mobile sports betting will no longer go live on January 8th, meaning the college football national title game that occurs that night is no longer available to bet on.</p> <p>Also, Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn returned from the injured reserve this past Monday. Horn suffered a hamstring injury in the season opener. Tim Donnelly discussed how this opens the 21-day window for Horn to practice. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers have struggled mightily this season, and head coach Frank Reich could consider taking back play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Reich, who called plays for the Panthers at the beginning of the season, handed off duties to Brown. Tim Donnelly explained how Reich taking play-calling back over would hurt the belief of the offense even more.</p> <p>Also, Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos defeated Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills last night on Monday Night Football. Tim Donnelly wants to know why quarterback Josh Allen has regressed so much in his career and what can be done to help him get back to an MVP-caliber player. </p>

<p>In the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discussed Texas A&M firing Jimbo Fisher and Fisher receiving a $77 million buyout, NC State women's basketball defeating No. Uconn yesterday and NC State defeated Wake Forest in Brennan Armstrong's return game. Also, the Carolina Hurricanes kicked their butt into gear against the Tampa Bay Lighting on Saturday. Plus, North Carolina defeated Duke this past Saturday in a double-overtime thriller. Did we see Mack Brown coach his last game in Chapel Hill?</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers enter into week eleven after a disappointing week ten loss to the Chicago Bears. Were we wrong this off-season in discussing the Carolina Panthers' playoff chances, or did we assume the NFC South was bad enough for them to win the division and make the playoffs? Tim Donnelly wants you to fill in the blank by asking if the Carolina Panthers had **blank** they would be in the hunt for the playoffs.</p> <p>Also, following the North Carolina Tar Heels 47-45 win over the Duke Blue Devils, students stormed the field at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Some had issues with this since UNC was a double-digit favorite. Tim Donnelly and Graham Hill discuss why students had the right to celebrate the win. </p>

<p>The Duke Blue Devils fell to the North Carolina Tar Heels in double overtime this past weekend, 47-45. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. In the first overtime, both teams kicked field goals. In the second overtime, Maye scored and gave the Tar Heels the lead with a 5-yard touchdown run, and the Tar Heels were able to convert the two-point try. Duke had a chance to tie the game, but Freshman quarterback Grayson Loftis couldn't convert on a two-point conversion to receiver Jalon Calhoun. Tim Donnelly explains the loss from the Blue Devils' perspective. </p> <p>Also, the next step in Mike Elko's journey is whether he'll remain Duke's head coach next season. Over the weekend, Jimbo Fisher was fired by Texas A&M and was given a buyout worth $77 million. Elko was a former assistant to Fisher, and many would say he's already overachieved as the head coach at Duke. Tim Donnelly explains the impact on the ACC of Fisher's firing. </p>

<p>The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Duke Blue Devils in double overtime this past weekend, 47-45. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. In the first overtime, both teams kicked field goals. In the second overtime, Maye scored and gave the Tar Heels the lead with a 5-yard touchdown run, and the Tar Heels were able to convert the two-point try. Tim Donnelly and Graham Hill share their thoughts on the win for North Carolina.</p> <p>Also, the NC State Wolfpack defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 26-6 in football this past Saturday. The Wolfpack were led by quarterback Brennan Armstrong, and in his return, he threw for 111 yards and scored both a passing and rushing touchdown. The NC State defense was dominant, holding Wake Forest to six points. Tim Donnelly and Graham Hill discuss the Wolfpack’s road win for the second time in their last eleven trips to Winston-Salem.</p>

<p>No. 12 Arizona basketball - and former UNC basketball guard Caleb Love - travel to Cameron Indoor Stadium to face No. 2 Duke basketball. Tim Donnelly says matchups like this are good for college basketball.</p> <p>Also, news broke during the show of Jim Harbaugh being suspended from coaching on the sidelines for the remainder of the regular season in an announcement by the Big Ten. Tim Donnelly questions if the suspension is harsh enough. </p>

<p>NC State football will look to rally around quarterback Brennan Armstrong after starting QB MJ Morris elected to sit out the remainder of the season to redshirt. Also, UNC football looks to pick up a win against Duke football as Duke football will be playing a third-string freshman QB vs UNC QB Drake Maye. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly points out that Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich still struggles with in-game management and decision making despite the years of his experience. Also, it's too quick to pull the plug on Bryce Young, but the franchise needs to do everything it can to support Young. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers managed only 213 yards of offense and 170 total passing yards in a 16-13 loss to the Chicago Bears. Bryce Young and the Panthers failed to score a touchdown while allowing three sacks to a Bears team that only had 10 sacks all season. Tim Donnelly says there's no silver lining for the Carolina Panthers and head coach Frank Reich.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers face the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football, while the other stand alone prime time NFL games this weekend consist of the Indianapolis Colts vs the New England Patriots, the New York Jets vs the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Denver Broncos vs the Buffalo Bills. Tim Donnelly says this weekend will test if the power of the NFL brand will hold up in prime time.</p> <p>Also, the Carolina Panthers are getting healthier with defenseman Brett Pesce appearing to be returning the lineup sooner than later.</p> <p>Plus, Duke basketball forward Mark Mitchell hopes to be ready in time as the No. 2 Blue Devils host No. 12 Arizona basketball. </p>

<p>Should the Carolina Panthers be concerned about Bryce Young? Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss where there confidence are and concerned about when it comes to the Carolina Panthers as they face the Chicago Bears.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly questions why the Carolina Panthers aren't exploring all options when it comes to their roster moving forward? </p>

<p>NC State QB MJ Morris elected to sit out the rest of the season, allowing him to redshirt the 2023 year and retain three years of eligibility. Tim Donnelly reacts to NC State football coach Dave Doeren's comments about MJ Morris and how 'surprised' he was about Morris' decision to sit out.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young travels to take on the Chicago Bears and QB Tyson Bagent. Tim Donnelly says that the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft needs to outperform and outplay the undrafted rookie out of Shepherd University.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers traded multiple picks and WR DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears to draft rookie QB Bryce Young No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Tim Donnelly said they traded away the key piece that would help most with Bryce Young's development, and how a No. 1 WR is what Bryce Young needs most right now.</p> <p>The Carolina Panthers did not trade OLB/Edge Brian Burns at the NFL Trade deadline for the second straight year, but Tim Donnelly points out that owner David Tepper and GM Scott Fitterer have failed to sign Burns to a long-term contract extension, and that the price tag for Burns continues to rise.</p>

<p>Who is the best ACC men's basketball coach currently? And what coach would you want to build around for the next five season? Is is UVA basketball coach Tony Bennett, or Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer? </p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox reveal their confidence & concerns when it comes to UNC football, NC State football, Duke football, and Wake Forest football in 'Cons & Cons.'</p>

<p>In Hit It & Quit It, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the top stories of the day, including the latest College Football Playoff rankings and where Florida State football fits in the CFP, David Tepper and Charlotte FC firing their second manager in just two season, how NBA and NHL TV Rights coud be going back to teams and how that impacts the Charlotte Hornets & Carolina Hurricanes, and the latest valuation of the Carolina Hurricanes according to Sportico. </p>

<p>ACC basketball teams were a perfect 14-0 on the first day of the college basketball season, including Duke football beating Dartmouth, UNC basketball beating Radford, and NC State basketball beating The Citadel.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly says there's a lot to like and approve of when it comes to North Carolina basketball, NC State basketball, and Duke basketball. </p>

<p>On Election Day 2023, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox 'elect' their ACC football offensive player of the year, defensive player of the year, coach of the year, rookie of the year, and give 'approval ratings' UNC football coach Mack Brown, Duke football coach Mike Elko, and NC State football coach Dave Doeren.</p>

<p>NC State QB MJ Morris is redshirting the rest of the season. Tim Donnelly wonders how Morris will be received in the locker room moving forward if Morris decides not to transfer. Donnelly points to the many layers that go with MJ Morris' decision, including the locker room, how Dave Doeren will handle the situation, and the impact this has on fellow QB Brennan Armstrong whom Morris replaced.</p> <p>The Carolina Hurricanes are back in action for the first time without goalie Frederik Andersen, and with Brett Pesce getting closer to returning on defense. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young had one of his worst games in his career, throwing 3 interceptions - including two pick-6's - as the Panthers lose to the Indianapolis Colts, 27-13, at Bank of America Stadium. Tim Donnelly says that that confidence in Young right now is pretty low.</p> <p>Plus, the Carolina Panthers play on a short week as they travel to the Chicago Bears may be a good thing for Bryce Young.</p>

<p>With the 2023-2024 men's college basketball season underway, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox give their ACC basketball predictions, including ACC player of the year, freshman of the year, coach of the year, transfer of the year, and what schools from the ACC will make it to the 2024 NCAA basketball tournmament.</p> <p>Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes will be without goalie Frederik Andersen for an unknown amount of time due to blood clotting issues. </p>

<p>NC State football earned a 20-6 win over Miami football. Tim Donnelly says why NC State had the best college football weekend between all of the ACC football schools in the State of North Carolina, including Duke football beating Wake Forest football, 24-21, and UNC football blowing out Campbell football.</p> <p>Also, the start of the college basketball season is here! </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young had one of his worst games in his career, throwing 3 interceptions - including two pick-6's - as the Panthers lose to the Indianapolis Colts, 27-13, at Bank of America Stadium. The question many Panthers fans have right now: Did the Carolina Panthers make the right choice by drafting Bryce Young No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, or should they have drafted Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud?</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young had one of his worst games in his career, throwing 3 interceptions - including two pick-6's - as the Panthers lose to the Indianapolis Colts, 27-13, at Bank of America Stadium. It was the first time Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich faced his former team. Tim Donnelly points out how Young looked rattled and panicky from the start of the game.</p>

<p>During the starting five, Tim Donnelly discussed the Carolina Hurricanes' 2-1 loss to the New York Rangers, Miami at NC State tomorrow, and Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders vs. the New England Patriots this Sunday. Also, he reviewed Duke's 24-21 win over Wake Forest to become bowl-eligible for a second straight season. Plus, he previewed a big game for Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich as he faces his former team, the Indianapolis Colts.</p>