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NCAA, College League, USA Football: North Carolina-Bill Belichick press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Dec 12, 2024 Chapel Hill, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels new head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media at Loudermilk Center for Excellence. Chapel Hill Loudermilk Center for Excellence NC USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxDedmonx 20241212_jla_db2_109

via Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Football: North Carolina-Bill Belichick press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Dec 12, 2024 Chapel Hill, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels new head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media at Loudermilk Center for Excellence. Chapel Hill Loudermilk Center for Excellence NC USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxDedmonx 20241212_jla_db2_109
Bill Belichick’s welcome to the College Football moment was instant. A whooping blowout loss to TCU in the season opener was a sign of things to come. They did stabilize, but again, back-to-back defeats have left them with a 2-3 record. Last week’s 10-38 defeat to Clemson at home was just another reminder of how bad it has been going for the Tar Heels this season. But a recent development in the injury department could be a much-needed boost for UNC against the Golden Bears this weekend.
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An injury update report from On3 states that Gio Lopez is back from his leg injury and made the trip to California. The sophomore QB was also listed as the starter on the Tar Heels’ unofficial depth chart this week. This is good news for the 6x Super Bowl champion HC, as it means he’s going to have both QB1 and his current replacement QB, Max Johnson, as depth options. Previously, the head coach did not name a starting quarterback for the game against Cal during his Monday press conference.
It is possible that a rotation between the QBs can happen on Saturday. Meaning that Bill Belichick would have a stronger side in a matchup that could decide the future of the season for his team. But how did Gio Lopez get injured in the first place?
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The three-star recruit suffered a leg injury against UCF late in the third quarter. Grimacing with pain, limping heavily, until a cart rolled him out. He was listed as doubtful for the Clemson matchup and did not make his return at the Kenan Memorial Stadium. This was the second such instance of him leaving the gridiron. Earlier in the opener match against TCU, the QB left the game with a back injury. Prompting Belichick to place his trust in the backup QB.

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NCAA, College League, USA Football: North Carolina at Central Florida Sep 20, 2025 Orlando, Florida, USA North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez 7 warms up before the game against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMikexWattersx 20250920_szo_sk4_0134
Max Johnson has put up 378 passing yards, 2 TDs, and 0 interceptions during his limited time of play this season. Against Clemson, the 24-year-old completed 26/42 passes for 213 yards. Plus, he didn’t commit any turnovers, an issue that QB1 has struggled with at times. In comparison, Lopez leads the UNC in passing yards (430) and 3 TDs. But Johnson has a slightly higher completion rate (63.9%) this season. Let’s not forget that the senior QB is returning from suffering a serious injury of his own.
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The grim incident took place during UNC’s opening game last year against Minnesota. He had to undergo five surgeries after suffering a broken femur. The return this year is truly a story of great determination and grit for the Tar Heels. Hopefully, with two fit QBs now, Bill Belichick will hope to avoid a third straight defeat.
Bill Belichick hopes to return to winning ways
The Clemson thrashing has now put pressure on the HC, who has the record for most Super Bowl wins. Another unfortunate news is that UNC has been outscored by Power Four opponents, 120-33. And now they face California, on the other hand, which is 4-2 this season with a 1-1 record in the ACC. The Golden Bears are also coming off a 45-21 loss to Duke. But they led 21-7 early in the second quarter, unlike the Tar Heels’ recent loss, where they were behind 28-3 in the first quarter.
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The loss puts the Tar Heels at 15th in the ACC conference. It seems the NFL experience has not transferred to the college football scene. Bill Belichick’s defense-first philosophy has yet to click. The Tar Heels are still adjusting to his pro-style system. Another hurdle is the major overhaul of the roster by bringing a lot of new players. That’s why we have only seen flashes of brilliance from some of the players, including the star QB.
Gio Lopez is still managing a young offense that is finding its rhythm. Plus, his injury hasn’t been helpful either. And all this leads to a must-win game for Bill Belichick on Saturday to have any hopes of saving their season. He will have to live up to his legendary NFL status and call out the game perfectly to win.
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