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3w ago

Belichick’s UNC Debut Crushed by TCU in 48-14 Rout

The blowout underscored the risks of UNC’s rapid roster rebuild, with QB Gio Lopez exiting hurt and his status for Charlotte unclear.

Sep 1, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) is taken off by cart after a collision in the outfield in the sixth inning during the game between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick stands on the sidelines during his team's game against TCU at Kenan Stadium.
Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on from the sidelines against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images/ File Photo
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Overview

  • TCU piled up 542 yards, including 258 on the ground, with Kevorian Barnes breaking a 75-yard touchdown run as UNC’s defense missed tackles throughout.
  • North Carolina’s promising 83-yard opening touchdown drive gave way to a collapse that featured a Bud Clark pick-six and a Devean Deal scoop-and-score.
  • Gio Lopez left after a sack-fumble with a lower-back injury and was replaced by Max Johnson, and Bill Belichick said both Lopez’s availability and the quarterback pecking order will be evaluated this week.
  • Belichick overhauled the roster with roughly 70 newcomers following a hype-filled offseason and a sellout opener, then acknowledged “a lot of work to do” across all three phases.
  • The result drew heavy national scrutiny and online mockery, and UNC now faces a short turnaround with a road game at Charlotte on Saturday.