Gio Lopez will start at quarterback for North Carolina against TCU in Bill Belichick's college debut. Lopez transferred from South Alabama after the spring portal and completed 66% of his passes for 2,559 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions last season, while adding 463 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Lopez won the starting job over veteran Max Johnson, who is recovering from a broken leg suffered in UNC's opener at Minnesota last year. Max Johnson and freshman Bryce Baker are expected to be available as backups. Live game action will reveal how the team adapts to game planning versus practice.
There are some things you kind of feel good about and some questions about," Belichcik said, "and as things unfold you find out how good you feel about the things you felt good about and the things you were worried about. It's not always the same. When you practice against yourself or even preseason games in the NFL, it's low-level. When you get ready to play a game, nothing's held back. They game plan you and try to exploit
But I feel comfortable with him and what he's doing. He'll get better as we go forward just because we will. I think he's ready, but I think he'll be like everybody -- more ready as we go forward.
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