Tar Heels edge TCU in rainy season opener in Dublin
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 9:01 PM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated TCU 15-10 in the Aer Lingus Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, on August 29, 2026. This victory marked a promising start to Year 2 under head coach Bill Belichick and showed progress from last season's struggles. The Tar Heels built their success on a strong defensive performance, limiting TCU to minimal scoring opportunities despite a challenging wet field. Key plays from players like Isaiah Johnson and Xavier Lewis, who contributed significantly to the defense, were pivotal in securing the victory. The Tar Heels improved to 1-0 as they look to build momentum heading into their upcoming games.
- •North Carolina improved to 1-0 on the season.
- •Bill Belichick took over defensive play-calling duties.
- •Isaiah Johnson and Xavier Lewis led a strong defensive effort.
- •The game was played in rainy conditions at Aviva Stadium.
- •North Carolina successfully limited TCU on fourth downs.
- 9:01 PMYahoo Sports — For at least 1 week, Bill Belichick has quieted the noise at UNC — and even cracked a smile
- 8:14 PMYahoo Sports — How Bill Belichick, Tar Heels offered best defense in upset against TCU
"The Tar Heels played tough defense, didn't kill themselves with huge mistakes or penalties and generally made life tough for TCU. Sounds a lot like a Belichick-coached team, doesn't it?
"The Tar Heels opened Year 2 under Belichick with a win that wasn't pretty, but silenced the critics for now.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 29, 2026, 9:01 PMFor at least 1 week, Bill Belichick has quieted the noise at UNC — and even cracked a smile
The Tar Heels played tough defense, didn't kill themselves with huge mistakes or penalties and generally made life tough for TCU. Sounds a lot like a Belichick-coached team, doesn't it?
- Yahoo SportsAug 29, 2026, 8:14 PMHow Bill Belichick, Tar Heels offered best defense in upset against TCU
The Tar Heels opened Year 2 under Belichick with a win that wasn't pretty, but silenced the critics for now.
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