The UNC football program picked up its first win of the 2025 (and also the first of Bill Belichick's college coaching career), as they defeated the Charlotte 49ers by a score of 20-3.
We'd be lying to you if we said it was pretty. Essentially nothing (from the weather to the play on the field) was that. However, it's a step in the right direction for the Tar Heels, especially following their ugly season opening loss to TCU that occurred just five days prior.
The game was delayed due to weather, but the half hour start time difference didn't matter for the record 19,233 people who made their way to Jerry Richardson Stadium for this highly-anticipated contest. Once the game got underway, North Carolina followed a similar script as it did against TCU, firing right out of the gate.
After completing two short passes to get into a rhythm, Gio Lopez connected with Chris Culliver for a 51-yard score on the third play of the game. At the time, we didn't know that would serve as the deciding factor, but a mix of Charlotte blunders and North Carolina's ability to capitalize off them ended up being the major difference in this game.
A perfect example of this game near the end of the first half. On fourth down, Charlotte trotted out the field goal unit for a 26-yard attempt. Liam Boyd, the former Tar Heel, is now Charlotte's kicker (which is important given the prior connection to the program). After connecting from 39-yards out earlier, Boyd hit the upright on this should've been easy attempt, a huge momentum swing for the guys wearing all white.
The Tar Heels offense marched down the field, ending an 80-yard drive with a Davion Gause rushing touchdown to extend the lead to 17-3 heading into the break.
Another example came in the third quarter, as Conner Harrell, another former Tar Heel, had some strong moments leading his new team's offense. On fourth down near the red zone, Harrell made a throw on the run, one that was dropped in the end zone by his receiving target.
Charlotte, a team that has a lot to work on in its own right, didn't help itself much on Saturday night.
This victory isn't one to overreact about. It's a game North Carolina was expected to win. Belichick and the Tar Heels still have a lot of work to be done, but this is a positive step in the right direction, as the hope is now the program can continue building on this throughout the 2025 season.
Rome wasn't built in a day, but Belichick and the Tar Heels are working toward building something special in Chapel Hill.