Five Takeaways from UNC Football’s Week 2 Road Victory at Charlotte

Five Takeaways from UNC Football’s Week 2 Road Victory at Charlotte

It wasn’t pretty, but it was exactly what North Carolina needed. The Tar Heels bounced back from their Week 1 letdown against TCU with a gritty 20-3 road win at Charlotte, giving legendary head coach Bill Belichick his first collegiate victory. For a man with eight Super Bowl titles and 302 NFL wins, it was only a matter of time before he collected career win No. 303 this time in a new arena.

UNC (1-1) opened with fireworks as quarterback Gio Lopez connected with Chris Culliver on a 51-yard bomb just three plays into the game. From there, the Tar Heels leaned on defense, depth at running back, and a bend-don’t-break approach to keep the 49ers (0-2) from ever truly threatening.

Here are five key takeaways from Saturday’s win at Jerry Richardson Stadium:

1. Gio Lopez Looked Like “The Guy”

After an uneven Week 1, Lopez settled into a groove in Charlotte. He completed 17-of-25 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown the opening strike to Culliver while adding 44 rushing yards on nine carries.

What stood out most wasn’t the stat line, but the command. Lopez mixed play-action with designed runs and deep throws, keeping Charlotte’s defense guessing. His ability to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs gave UNC a much-needed spark.

Saturday’s game didn’t crown him an ACC star just yet, but it proved he can be an effective Power Four quarterback something UNC desperately needed to see.

2. The Defense Took a Step Forward

After being gashed by TCU in the opener, UNC’s defense answered the call. The Tar Heels held Charlotte to just 271 yards, with the only points allowed coming on a 39-yard second-quarter field goal.

The front seven was especially dominant. UNC allowed just 21 rushing yards the entire game while generating pressure that forced Charlotte quarterback Conner Harrell into rushed throws. Linebacker Andrew Simpson recorded UNC’s first sack of the year, and the defense added two late interceptions including one against former Duke quarterback Grayson Loftis.

It wasn’t flawless, but it was a clear step in the right direction.

3. Running Back Depth Is UNC’s Secret Weapon

Replacing Omarion Hampton was never going to be easy, but UNC showed on Saturday that it has options. Seven different Tar Heels carried the ball, with freshman Demon June leading the way in his college debut (52 yards on nine carries).

Davion Gause chipped in 30 yards and a touchdown, Caleb Hood added 15, and Charleston French and Benjamin Hall combined for another 20.

While no single back is emerging as a superstar yet, the rotation itself might be the strength. A fresh stable of backs could wear down defenses, especially late in games. Belichick may have stumbled into a by-committee approach that works.

4. The Playcalling Still Needs Work

If there’s one concern lingering from this win, it’s the offensive rhythm. At times, UNC’s playcalling felt scattered. The Tar Heels ran multiple screen passes that Charlotte sniffed out, then seemed to simplify their offense as the night went on.

When offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens stuck with balance mixing Lopez’s mobility, the deep ball, and steady ground work the offense flowed. When they got cute, things stalled.

Against stronger opponents, inconsistency could cost UNC dearly. Kitchens and Belichick need to streamline the attack before Richmond comes to Chapel Hill in Week 3.

5. Belichick Gets His First College Win—But He’s Not Satisfied

For all the talk about whether Bill Belichick could adapt to the college game, Saturday night proved he’s still the GOAT. His defense suffocated Charlotte, his offense found enough balance to score early and control the game, and he managed the moment with his trademark poise.

Belichick is now 1-1 at the collegiate level, and while Charlotte isn’t exactly Alabama, the win matters. It provides confidence for his young roster, buys time for Gio Lopez to grow, and sets the stage for improvement heading into Week 3.

If anything, Belichick’s greatest challenge won’t be drawing up schemes it’ll be reshaping a culture. And Saturday night was the first step.

The Bottom Line

UNC’s 20-3 win at Charlotte wasn’t flashy, but it was steady, efficient, and exactly what the Tar Heels needed after their shaky opener. Gio Lopez showed progress, the defense responded, and the run game offered depth. Most importantly, Bill Belichick picked up his first college win a moment that could mark the start of something bigger in Chapel Hill.

For a program that needed to prove it could respond, Saturday was a good beginning.