Gio Lopez... ain't it
I don't like knocking a player while he's down. Seeing quarterback Gio Lopez carted off the field with his head under a towel is unpleasant viewing, both as a UNC fan and a human being. But based on performance and potential for future success, it appears that Lopez's future as the starting quarterback should be brought to a merciful end.
His stat line wasn't terrible, but if you watch the game in real time and put time and situation into the equation, he's not doing enough to push UNC forward. Of his two interceptions, only one was really his fault. His running ability, one of his selling points over the summer, has been underwhelming. Even former Tar Heel J.J. Jones was calling for Lopez to get benched.
Clemson is up next and the Tigers are reeling after losing their third game of the season to Syracuse. If there was ever a time to make a change, it's now. Give Max Johnson the bye week with starter's reps (which may be a given, once Lopez's injury is disclosed) to see if there's any chance of sparking the offense when the Tigers come to Chapel Hill next week.