No turnovers!
TCU was all sorts of nightmares rolled into one, but the most terrifying of them all was probably the awful turnovers. As mentioned, Gio Lopez did not cover himself in glory with two turnovers to his name that directly led to 14 points and an early exit with a nasty looking back injury, so credit to him for being ready to start in less than a week's time.
Bill Belichick loathes penalties and turnovers, so this was likely a focus during last week's practices. With heavy rain, it was no doubt on every Tar Heels' minds to be mindful of the ball, and don't let soaked pigskin touch the turf.
To that end, success! North Carolina kept a clean bill of health turnover-wise, while picking off two Charlotte passes, both from Grayson Loftis, not former Tar Heel Conner Harrell. Preventing turnovers on offense while snagging a few extra possessions on defense will be critical this season, as the offense has not shown that it can score in bunches. It'll need every bite at the apple it can get!