CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN/AP) — A balanced scoring effort led the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill football team to a big home win over Richmond on Saturday — boosting the Tar Heels and first-year head coach Bill Belichick to a winning record.
UNC had been 1-1 after splitting their first two games of the season — including a massive loss at home against TCU to kick off the new Belichick era.
But, the Tar Heels have since won both games, including a convincing 41-6 defeat of the Richmond Spiders on Saturday in their first home win. UNC scored in every quarter on Saturday against Richmond in Kenan Memorial Stadium — including 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Gio Lopez threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, while freshman Demon June had 148 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Tar Heels.
Both passing touchdowns went to Jordan Shipp, who caught four passes for 52 yards.
Lopez went 10 of 18 for 119 yards and also threw an interception.
North Carolina’s defense was no match for the Spiders (1-2), who gained just 199 total yards. The Spiders also committed three turnovers, including a fumble that Makai Gbayor returned for a 62-yard touchdown.
The Tar Heels scored on their first four possessions and outgained Richmond 193-58 in the opening half to grab a 20-3 lead.
Hoping to regain momentum, Richmond recovered a surprise onside kick to begin the second half. The Spiders took their subsequent drive all the way down to the 1, where Kyle Wickersham was stuffed on a fourth-down run.
Wickersham was 6 of 8 through the air for 47 yards.
THE TAKEAWAY
Richmond: The Spiders didn’t record a first down until early in the second quarter and managed just 199 total yards.
North Carolina: The Tar Heels authored their most complete performance under Belichick, scoring the first 20 points and never looking back.
UP NEXT
Richmond: Hosts VMI next Saturday.
North Carolina: Visits UCF next Saturday.