Lopez blocks out ‘noise,’ focuses on growth amid criticism

CHAPEL HILL — As UNC quarterback Gio Lopez continues to navigate a challenging season, he’s faced mounting criticism from fans and media. But Lopez isn’t letting the “noise” shake his confidence or distract him from the work ahead.

Belichick preaches incremental progress, eliminating mistakes at Syracuse as Heels try to end skid

CHAPEL HILL — As UNC prepares for Friday night’s ACC matchup at Syracuse, Coach Bill Belichick continues to emphasize a philosophy rooted in steady, incremental improvement.

Maye prompts ‘MVP’ chants after throwing 3 TD passes, joining elite company in rout

You might be able to slow down Drake Maye for one half. But with the way he’s playing, even the No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL can’t do it for an entire game. After the Cleveland Browns kept Maye from producing a touchdown in the first half, he threw three in the third quarter as the New England Patriots (6–2) turned a two-point halftime lead into a blowout on their way to a 32–13 home win on Sunday.

Good, Bad and Ugly Report: Virginia

Twenty years ago, the last time a ranked Virginia team faced an unranked North Carolina squad, the result was a 7–5 rock fight that ranks among the worst games in ACC football history. History did not quite repeat itself as the rock fight between the Tar Heels and Cavaliers did not rise (or sink) to the level of the 2005 tilt in Kenan Stadium; it was far from a thing of beauty.

Close again, but not enough; Belichick ‘just trying to win the game’

North Carolina continues to lose in heartbreaking fashion, this time missing a potential game-winning two-point conversion by inches. After matching Virginia’s touchdown in the first overtime, the Tar Heels went for two and quarterback Gio Lopez passed to Benjamin Hall, whose knee went down just before he got the ball over the goal line.

Belichick says report linking Virginia QB to UNC ‘just making up stories’ but admits program spoke to his agent

CHAPEL HILL — Bill Belichick opened his Tuesday press conference discussing Virginia’s “impressive string” of wins, but it didn’t take long for the North Carolina coach to be asked about a report from The Athletic that Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris showed “extreme” interest in transferring to Carolina before this season.

Maye sets Pats’ accuracy record with another historic performance in fourth straight victory

Drake Maye took his share of hits but kept hitting receivers with stunning precision and range, leading the New England Patriots to their fourth consecutive victory — and making more history in the process.

Good, Bad and Ugly Report: Cal

With the near-daily drumbeat of coverage and drama surrounding the North Carolina football program, it’s been easy to forget that the actual team has only played one game in the past four weeks. The result? Pain and disappointment.

Fumbles doom UNC in heartbreaking loss at Cal

North Carolina showed progress and was competitive against a power conference team for the first time this season, but two big fumbles meant yet another loss.

Lopez not on UNC injury report, likely to play

Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez, who missed the Clemson game with a leg injury, should be available to the Tar Heels for Friday’s game at California and could start, while the Bears will be without a reserve running back.

UNC at Cal: When, where to watch, notes, depth charts, statistics

Here are details on UNC’s Friday night game at Cal, including notes, depth charts and statistics.

Kitchens laments lack of results, says there are things he could have done better

CHAPEL HILL — Freddie Kitchens didn’t hide from the failures of North Carolina’s offense through five games of his first season as offensive coordinator and admitted there are things he could have done better.

Belichick calls reports of buyout talks ‘categorically false,’ says program is making progress

North Carolina Coach Bill Belichick sought to quiet speculation Monday about his commitment to the program while also acknowledging that the staff has learned from some early missteps.

Maye continues to make history with dazzling play, Pats keep winning; Downs catches TD pass

Every week, Drake Maye displays magical performances and makes history along the way. On Sunday, Maye, who might be the best quarterback in the NFL through six weeks, led the New England Patriots to their third consecutive victory on the same day that Josh Downs caught his first touchdown pass of the season.

UNC sticks with Belichick (for now), but shouldn’t stick with Kitchens calling plays

Bill Belichick isn’t going anywhere. At least not yet. If UNC is serious about salvaging what’s left of this season and protecting its significant long-term investment, Belichick must act decisively to fix what’s broken. That will involve a lot that’s out of public view that fans only know through reporting. But a good start will be to replace offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, a holdover from Coach Mack Brown’s staff.