By : Sabri Haidar
(Photo/Sabri Haidar- The Mojo Network)
North Carolina once again looked overmatched on the big stage, and UCF made sure the scoreboard reflected it.
Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels dropped to 2-2 after a 34-9 beatdown in Orlando, a game that never felt in doubt. Quarterback Gio Lopez opened the second half but was benched after a quick three-and-out, giving way to transfer Max Johnson. Johnson provided a spark with a marathon 19-play drive that ended in a touchdown, but the Knights already had the game in hand. Myles Montgomery’s 1-yard plunge stretched the lead to 27-3 before Johnson could make an impact.
The tone was set late in the first half. After UNC trimmed the deficit to 13-3 with just over a minute left, UCF marched 83 yards in six plays. Tayven Jackson capped it off with a 17-yard strike to a wide-open Kylan Fox, sending the Knights into the break up 20-3.
The Knights didn’t just celebrate on the field either. Moments after the final whistle, UCF’s social media team took a jab at Belichick, posting a graphic referencing the coach’s viral beach photos with his girlfriend Jordon Hudson.
For North Carolina, the loss only deepens concerns about where this program stands under Belichick. The Tar Heels have now been outscored 75-23 in two matchups against Big 12 competition, including a 48-14 opening-week blowout at TCU. Offensively, it’s been the same story: stalled drives, no rhythm, and no answers. Lopez, who beat out Johnson for the starting job after transferring from South Alabama, has yet to find traction against top competition.
That leaves Belichick with a looming decision during the bye week. Does he stick with Lopez, or hand the keys to Johnson moving forward?
The timing matters. North Carolina will host Clemson in Week 6, and the Tigers are reeling themselves after falling to 1-3 with a home loss to Syracuse. What was once billed as a marquee ACC clash on Oct. 4 now feels like a desperation game for both sides. A Clemson loss would sink the Tigers to 0-3 in league play. A UNC loss — particularly another lopsided one — would confirm that Belichick’s rebuild has a long way to go. Meanwhile, UCF shifts its focus to a road test at Kansas State, a chance to take another step forward and prove it belongs among the Big 12’s top contenders.