CHAPEL HILL — For one fleeting moment, North Carolina’s defense looked like it had found the answer. Late in the first half, with TCU threatening to stretch its lead, Kaleb Cost delivered the kind of play defenders dream about.
Tag: UNC
From injury to inspiration: Max Johnson ‘blessed’ after first TD pass in 667 days is to his brother
CHAPEL HILL — A year ago, Max Johnson lay on the field with a gruesome leg injury that ended his season soon after it began. On Monday night in Chapel Hill, he completed a journey few thought possible to add a positive note on a night that otherwise went horribly wrong for North Carolina in a 48–14 loss to TCU in Bill Belichick’s debut.
Photo gallery from UNC’s loss to TCU
Here are some of the images from UNC’s 48–14 opening-game loss to TCU.
Good, Bad and Ugly Report: TCU
Words are hard to find for the egg that was laid in Kenan Stadium on Monday night for the debut of the most successful coach in NFL history. The 48–14 drubbing at the hands of Texas Christian was very bad, worse than the five-touchdown margin indicated.
Belichick era starts with embarrassment, frustration
CHAPEL HILL — All day before the game and for one drive, the thrill and the anticipation of the Belichick era hit a fever pitch. That excitement quickly gave way to frustration and disbelief.
Many Heels waived now on practice squads; up to 8 UNC alums will start
Cut day in the NFL didn’t go well for several former UNC players, but many have made practice squads heading into Week 1. Eight other former Tar Heels are listed as starters or possible starters.
High-octane TCU air raid offense, led by QB Hoover, creates challenges
There are a lot of unknowns about UNC’s opener Monday night, but you can be sure about the TCU offense: It’s built to stretch the field horizontally and vertically, forcing the Tar Heels to defend every blade on the natural grass that has returned to Kenan Stadium.
Aarnisalo brings flash, IQ and pro experience to UNC backcourt
Elina Aarnisalo’s connection with Carolina coach Courtney Banghart goes back years — long before she set foot in Chapel Hill. Banghart relentlessly pursued the dynamic 5–10 combo guard from Helsinki, Finland, calling her once a week for two years before losing her recruiting battle with UCLA.
TCU’s Dykes never expected to face Belichick, doesn’t know what to expect
Bill Belichick on a college sideline? Sonny Dykes still can’t quite believe it, but that’s the challenge TCU faces Monday when the Horned Frogs travel to North Carolina for their season opener.
‘Rude Boys’ reloaded: How DB Dixon and UNC’s defense embrace a storied legacy
CHAPEL HILL — The tradition of swagger and toughness in the defensive backfield runs deep at Carolina. This year, the Tar Heels’ secondary is leaning into that legacy, proudly adopting the nickname “Rude Boys,” a moniker that dates back to the 1990s when UNC’s defense ranked among the nation’s best.
Carolina’s much-anticipated opener by the numbers
Here is a look at UNC’s football opener Monday against TCU by the numbers.
Belichick details the challenges TCU presents
CHAPEL HILL — Bill Belichick is less than a week away from his first game as North Carolina’s head coach. In typical Belichick fashion, with no emotion on his face, he said he was excited. We’ll take his word for it.
‘Magic’ in the making: No-look pass earns nickname for UNC starting QB Lopez
CHAPEL HILL — The nickname started with a no-look pass in practice. The starting job came minutes before Gio Lopez fielded questions from the media as deftly as he eludes a pass rush. When North Carolina takes the field against TCU on Monday night, it’ll be a new era in Chapel Hill with Lopez, a transfer from South Alabama who his teammates now call Magic, starting at quarterback.
A quick look at TCU, Carolina’s opponent in Monday’s opener
When North Carolina closes out college football’s Week 1 on Monday night against TCU, it will face plenty of challenges from the Horned Frogs, who are 3½-point favorites. The depth chart is redacted on TCU’s media notes, but there’s plenty to know about the program ahead of the 8 p.m. kickoff (ESPN).
McPherson retires as player after 6 surgeries, plenty of perseverance, will be student assistant for UNC
Kayla McPherson came to Carolina as a four-star point guard full of star power, but after four years in Chapel Hill defined by promise and perseverance as she battled injuries and endured six surgeries, she announced Tuesday that she is retiring as a player.
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