Bill Belichick and UNC defeat TCU in season opening game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 1:35 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026

The North Carolina Tar Heels secured a 15-10 victory over the TCU Horned Frogs in a Week 0 matchup held Saturday in Dublin, Ireland. Despite being significant underdogs heading into the contest, North Carolina utilized a smothering defensive effort to overcome the Big 12 opponent. The win provides a significant boost for head coach Bill Belichick, who faced intense scrutiny and pressure from analysts following preseason doubts regarding the program's direction. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, who had previously been critical of the coaching staff, retracted his prior skepticism regarding the team's prospects on Monday. The victory shifts expectations for the Tar Heels, who now look toward upcoming conference challenges. North Carolina prepares for consecutive matchups against Clemson and Notre Dame, games that are expected to serve as a litmus test for the team's competitive standing for the remainder of the season.
- •North Carolina defeated TCU with a 15-10 final score at Aviva Stadium on August 29, 2026.
- •Paul Finebaum publically reversed his previous criticism of Bill Belichick following the win.
- •The Tar Heels face upcoming scheduled games against Clemson and Notre Dame.
- •TCU entered the matchup in Ireland as the statistical favorites before the loss.
- 1:35 PMYahoo Sports — Paul Finebaum says he was wrong, Bill Belichick ‘still has it’
"Bill Belichick silenced some critics as UNC upset TCU in Ireland, prompting Paul Finebaum to change his stance on the Tar Heels coach after the upset.
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