Belichick's UNC debut falls to TCU 48-14

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Bill Belichick’s much‑anticipated debut as North Carolina’s head coach ended in a stinging defeat Monday night as TCU routed the Tar Heels 48-14 at Kenan Memorial Stadium, a nationally televised blowout that exposed early roster and execution problems and set off fresh controversy around the program.

North Carolina struck first, driving 83 yards on seven plays and finishing with an eight‑yard Caleb Hood touchdown run. TCU then took control, outscoring UNC 41-7 the rest of the way. The Horned Frogs built a decisive lead behind two defensive scores and a long second‑half burst: TCU safety Bud Clark returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter, Kevorian Barnes opened the half with a 75‑yard run, and Devean Deal scooped and scored on a third‑quarter fumble return. TCU finished with 542 yards of offense to UNC’s 222 and converted 29 first downs to 10 for the Tar Heels.

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover threw two touchdown passes and wide receiver Jordan Dwyer had nine catches for 136 yards. North Carolina starter Gio Lopez completed only four passes before leaving with a back injury at halftime; Max Johnson relieved him and later...