Bill Belichick’s long-awaited debut as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels ended in disappointment on Monday night. Playing at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels fell to TCU 48-14 in their season opener. The loss marked UNC’s first Week 1 defeat since 2021 and the most points ever surrendered by a Belichick-led team, according to ESPN.
The game began with promise for North Carolina. Quarterback Gio Lopez led the Tar Heels on an impressive 83-yard scoring drive after the opening kickoff. The defense followed with a quick stop, giving UNC an early chance to seize control.
However, TCU quickly flipped the momentum. The Horned Frogs responded with 48 unanswered points, overwhelming the Tar Heels on both sides of the ball.
Ironically, Bill Belichick was 41 when his gf was 7 😭 pic.twitter.com/9SpBccH991
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) September 2, 2025
TCU’s Offensive Showcase
TCU quarterback Josh Hoover delivered a strong performance, completing 27 of 36 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Kevorian Barnes powered the ground game with 113 rushing yards and a touchdown. His 75-yard run to open the second half served as the game’s dagger, putting TCU firmly in control.
The Horned Frogs dominated the stat sheet, outgaining UNC 542 to 222 in total yards. Their efficiency kept Belichick’s squad on its heels throughout the night.
UNC’s Offensive Struggles
After the opening drive, North Carolina’s offense sputtered. The Tar Heels managed just 139 yards across their next 10 possessions. Lopez endured a long drought, going more than two hours of real time without a completion. His struggles compounded when he suffered an apparent injury in the third quarter after fumbling the ball, which TCU’s Devean Deal returned for a 37-yard touchdown.
Read more: Dances With Wolves Star Graham Greene Dies Aged 73
Backup quarterback Max Johnson offered a brief spark, leading a scoring drive late in the third quarter to cut into TCU’s lead. Still, the rally was short-lived as the Horned Frogs tightened their grip in the fourth quarter.
A Tough Lesson for Belichick
Belichick, the six-time Super Bowl champion making his first appearance as a college head coach, faced a harsh introduction to the NCAA stage. Known for his defensive mastery in the NFL, Belichick watched his Tar Heels give up big plays through the air and on the ground.
The 48 points allowed underscored the gap between UNC and a seasoned TCU program. It also raised questions about how quickly Belichick can instill his trademark discipline and defensive toughness in a college roster.
Despite the setback, North Carolina has time to regroup as the season unfolds. The health of quarterback Gio Lopez will be a key storyline moving forward, while Belichick will need to shore up defensive lapses to avoid similar outcomes against upcoming opponents.
For TCU, the victory highlighted their offensive depth and readiness to compete in a tough conference schedule. For Belichick, the loss served as a reminder that his storied NFL resume guarantees nothing in college football.
The road ahead promises challenges, but Bill Belichick’s arrival in Chapel Hill ensures UNC will remain a program under the spotlight throughout the season.
Ironically, Bill Belichick was 41 when his gf was 7 😭 pic.twitter.com/9SpBccH991
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) September 2, 2025
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Dances With Wolves Star Graham Greene Dies Aged 73
Graham Greene, the celebrated Canadian First Nations actor best known for his role in Dances With Wolves, has died aged 73. His manager, Gerry Jordan, confirmed his peaceful passing in a statement to CBC News. Greene reportedly died of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy that stretched across film, television, and theatre.
