Pick-six, ‘snatched’ ball: Hickman-Collins steps up as UNC’s linebacker rotation shifts

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — When North Carolina lost linebacker Jonathan Agumadu to injury a few weeks ago, the Tar Heels needed someone to take more snaps in the middle of their defense. Redshirt sophomore Timir Hickman-Collins answered that need in a rainy 38–21 win at UConn on Saturday at Rentschler Field, with an interception returned for a touchdown and a fumble recovery that led to another. He led the team in Pro Football Focus defensive grade (93.7) and pass-rush grade (80.8) in 15 defensive snaps.

Tracking transfers: Trimble, Cadeau, Dixon, Evans directing offenses; Jackson returning leader

Seth Trimble spent four seasons finding ways to help North Carolina win. At Louisville, he is getting an early opportunity to help run the show. Trimble’s new assignment is among the most prominent in a large group of former UNC men’s and women’s players scattered across college basketball. Some are established leaders on ranked teams, others are pursuing larger opportunities after limited minutes in Chapel Hill, and several still face questions about their impact.

After Syracuse loss, most common projected UNC bowl destination is Charlotte

North Carolina’s 31–30 overtime loss to Syracuse on Saturday left the Tar Heels two victories short of bowl eligibility, but seven postseason projections still have them headed to four possible bowls, with six potential opponents. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte and Military Bowl in Annapolis, Md., are the most frequently projected destinations for UNC (4–3, 2–2 ACC).

Justin Jackson sees no reason to panic over Indiana loss

Justin Jackson isn’t worried about Michael Malone’s first Carolina team after a 76–58 exhibition loss at Indiana that left some fans uneasy. Jackson said on the “Tar Heel Tribune Podcast” that the setting matters, as does Indiana’s veteran, physical front line. It was also the first true road game for a roster that had played only one other exhibition, an 88–70 win over Southern Cal in Greensboro.

Good, Bad and Ugly Report: Duke

It’s said that there are no original movies made in Hollywood anymore, and UNC fans had seen this movie before. In fact, UNC fans had seen this movie already this season, and in this rivalry.

Behind excellent defense, No. 1 UNC wins battle at Clemson for ninth straight victory

Top-ranked Carolina played its first match in 13 days, but there was no rust in the Tar Heels’ defense or from goaltender Hannah Johann.

Quiet off the court, Adams unleashes fury on court

CHAPEL HILL — Maxi Adams likes to start game days in a quiet place. With headphones on, calming music and a little meditation, the North Carolina freshman tries to clear his mind before stepping into the noisy arena.

Belichick says there’s more ownership, engagement from players this season

CHAPEL HILL — A year ago, Bill Belichick was still trying to get North Carolina’s program moving after a late start. With Duke next ahead Saturday, he said this season’s team is more engaged, and he sees the difference in the meeting room, on the practice field and in the way his players approach the work.

Big win at Pitt has UNC showing up in bowl projections; where might Heels play?

With Carolina’s 21–17 victory Saturday at then-No. 25 Pittsburgh putting the Tar Heels three wins away from bowl eligibility, they are showing up for the first time in postseason projections, with four possible destinations.

Fourth-down stops, two long strikes give Belichick signature win

PITTSBURGH — Carolina’s two longest plays of the season and four huge late fourth-down stops produced the biggest victory of the Bill Belichick era.

Good, Bad and Ugly Report: Pittsburgh

In a game that would have fit perfectly in the old Coastal Division, North Carolina and Pittsburgh stumbled and bumbled through most of a game that featured a backup fifth-year quarterback at his third school making his first career start, dueling turnovers, dueling quick-strike touchdowns, punts from the plus-37, what seemed like a thousand replay reviews, and enough questionable coaching decisions to scratch a hole through your head. And when the dust had settled, Carolina left the Steel City with a 21–17 win over the No. 25 Panthers.

As action by UNC, 3 others, signal possible ACC departures, Phillips laments lack of ‘unanimity’

CHARLOTTE — When North Carolina and three other ACC schools asked Congress to change provisions in the Protect College Sports Act, it signaled possible turbulence ahead for the league. Leaders from UNC, Clemson, Florida State and Miami sent a joint letter to House leaders after the Senate passed the legislation. The letter, which UNC chancellor Lee Roberts signed, called for removal of provisions that would require power conference schools to be independent for three seasons when changing leagues and limit conferences to 20 schools (they want it changed to 22).

Abou Jaoude available for UNC’s game against Notre Dame

CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude will be available for Saturday’s noon game against No. 3 Notre Dame, according to multiple reports, first by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, giving the Tar Heels their best pass rusher for the biggest home test of the season.

Behind Devy’s fourth brace, top-ranked Heels roll, give Irish their first loss

CHAPEL HILL — Forty days after its only loss, top-ranked North Carolina is looking unbeatable. Since then, sophomore forward Bella Devey has kept churning out goals, and the Tar Heels have kept rolling after getting three players returned from the U20 World Cup three games ago.

Barnes, Davis head to Spurs camp with different challenges

Two Tar Heels enter San Antonio Spurs training camp at opposite ends of their careers. The Spurs released their 21-man training camp roster on Friday ahead of the start of camp on Tuesday. It included Harrison Barnes, a 14-year veteran entering his third season in San Antonio, and RJ Davis, who is fighting for a foothold in the NBA after a standout rookie year in the G League and a solid Summer League performance.