Charlotte, NC, September 7, 2025
News Summary
In a remarkable display of teamwork, the University of North Carolina football team secured their first victory of the season under new head coach Bill Belichick, defeating the Charlotte 49ers 20-3 at Jerry Richardson Stadium. The Tar Heels showed strong defensive improvements and managed to dominate the game despite challenges in their offensive performance. Key players included Gio Lopez and Chris Culliver, showcasing strong plays that led to the victory. The win marks a significant milestone for both the team and Belichick in his collegiate coaching career.
Charlotte, NC – North Carolina’s football team claimed their first victory of the season under new head coach Bill Belichick, defeating the Charlotte 49ers 20-3 on September 6, 2025, at Jerry Richardson Stadium. This win improved UNC’s record to 1-1 following a tough loss to TCU in their season opener.
The Charlotte 49ers fell to 0-2 after this matchup, as they had previously lost to Appalachian State. The game marked not only a significant milestone for the Tar Heels, but also Belichick’s first collegiate win, a departure from his illustrious NFL coaching career.
Initially, the game began with a bang for UNC. Chris Culliver opened the scoring with a spectacular 51-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Gio Lopez on North Carolina’s opening possession, taking just 59 seconds into the game to establish an early 6-0 lead. Following Culliver’s touchdown, Rece Verhoff added a field goal from 49 yards, extending the lead to 10-0.
Nonetheless, Charlotte managed to respond when Liam Boyd kicked a 39-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10-3. The momentum quickly shifted back to UNC, as Davion Gause increased the Tar Heels’ lead with a 12-yard touchdown run before halftime, putting the score at 17-3.
The final score was solidified in the fourth quarter when Verhoff added another field goal from 33 yards. During the game, Lopez completed 17 out of 25 passes for 155 yards and also rushed for an additional 44 yards. Despite their offensive efforts, UNC struggled overall, managing only 303 total yards, reflected by inconsistent performances from their receiving and running corps.
The game drew a large crowd, setting a record for the Charlotte football program even amidst heavy rain delays and pregame festivities. The 49ers are now under the leadership of first-year head coach Tim Albin, who previously achieved success with 10-win seasons at Ohio.
On the defensive side, UNC exhibited notable improvements, allowing no turnovers and minimal yardage plays throughout the game. Coach Belichick acknowledged the win while emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, reinforcing that “you’ve got to do a lot of things right.” This victory represents a fundamental step in the rebuilding process of UNC’s football program under the guidance of the legendary NFL coach.
Game Summary
- Final Score: UNC 20, Charlotte 3
- Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- Date: September 6, 2025
- Attendees: Record crowd for Charlotte’s football program
- Control: UNC controlled the game, especially in the first half.
UNC’s Performance Breakdown
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total Yards | 303 |
| Passing Yards | 155 |
| Rushing Yards | Number not specified |
| Turnovers | 0 |
Key Players
- Gio Lopez – Quarterback, 17/25 passes for 155 yards, 44 rushing yards
- Chris Culliver – 51-yard touchdown reception
- Davion Gause – 12-yard touchdown run
- Rece Verhoff – Kicker, two field goals (49 yards, 33 yards)
Background Context
Bill Belichick is widely known for his extensive coaching success in the NFL, but his transition to college football is a significant story in itself. Following a disappointing season opener against TCU, this game against Charlotte represents a crucial turning point for UNC’s football program, which has been in a rebuilding phase.
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Additional Resources
- Fayetteville Observer
- WRAL Sports Fan
- 247Sports
- Tar Heels Wire
- Action Network
- Wikipedia: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Google Search: UNC football
- Google Scholar: North Carolina football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Google News: North Carolina football
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