The sun set on a disappointing era of North Carolina football in fitting fashion on Saturday as the Tar Heels lost to UConn 27-14 in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. The Huskies had their way with North Carolina all game, especially on the ground as they racked up 210 rushing yards and a touchdown. Junior running back Mel Brown led the way with 96 rushing on 11 carries.
The Tar Heels offense was sluggish in the loss, producing just 206 total yards of offense. North Carolina's special teams accounted for half of its points as Chris Culliver scored on a kick return. The Tar Heels' other touchdown came on a trick play that saw running back Caleb Hood find John Copenhaver for a touchdown.
North Carolina looked to freshman quarterback Michael Merdinger under center in his first collegiate appearance, and it wasn't a memorable day for the young player. Merdinger completed just nine of his 12 pass attempts for 86 yards and an interception. After the disappointing conclusion to the season, fans expressed their excitement for new coach Bill Belichick's arrival.
Belichick, the legendary New England Patriots head coach who won six Super Bowls, agreed to a five-year deal with the Tar Heels earlier this month following Mack Brown's firing. It will be his first time coaching at the collegiate level, but expectations are high given his past success. Though it's been competitive in the ACC throughout the years, North Carolina has never boasted an elite team.
Fans are hoping Belichick can change that..
