UNC Falls 28-12 to Wake Forest, Drops to 4-6 Under Belichick

North Carolina's football team suffered a 28-12 defeat to Wake Forest on Saturday in Winston-Salem, dropping the Tar Heels to 4-6 overall and 2-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference with two games remaining in coach Bill Belichick's inaugural season at the collegiate level.

The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for North Carolina and highlighted ongoing offensive struggles under Belichick, who transitioned from a 24-year tenure with the New England Patriots to Chapel Hill after signing a five-year, $50 million contract in December 2024. The Tar Heels failed to score a touchdown, relying solely on four field goals from kicker Rece Verhoff, two of which were blocked by Wake Forest's defense. Quarterback Gio Lopez completed 21 of 36 passes for 201 yards, but the team managed just 56 rushing yards and was outgained 414-257 by the Demon Deacons.

Wake Forest, now 7-3 overall and 4-3 in conference play, jumped ahead early when receiver Carlos Hernandez recovered a fumbled snap from quarterback Robby Ashford during the opening drive and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. Hernandez added a 56-yard touchdown reception on a flea-flicker play in the third quarter, helping extend the...