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Gio Lopez helps UNC knock off Charlotte in Week 2 football matchup
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- Gio Lopez helps UNC knock off Charlotte in Week 2 football matchup
The UNC football team raised plenty of questions during its Week 1 blowout loss against TCU . After Week 2's 20-3 victory at Charlotte , the Tar Heels squashed some of those questions.
North Carolina 's defense allowed a few big plays, but limited the host 49ers to three points and 271 yards. UNC's offense started hot, scoring a first drive touchdown on Gio Lopez ' 51-yard bomb to Chris Culliver , while tapping into its deep running back room.
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Speaking of Lopez, he looked much more comfortable running the Tar Heels' offense in the Queen City . Early on, when North Carolina's offense marched down the field at will, Lopez mixed in play-action passes with deep bombs.
As the game wore on, Lopez added screen passes into his mix. These didn't always work, so when pass protection broke down, Lopez showcased his running abilities. Lopez took off after scanning his options downfield, kept the football on read options and showcased, to UNC's coaching staff, why he was such a coveted player in the transfer portal.
Lopez completed just 4-of-10 passes for 69 yards against TCU. On Saturday night against Charlotte , Lopez collected 199 scrimmage yards and a passing touchdown.
Lopez' starting quarterback role came into question late during the Tar Heels ' season-opening loss to TCU, with a back injury forcing him out of the game. Lopez' injury thrust Max Johnson , who broke his leg in North Carolina's 2024 opener, into action.
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Despite playing in garbage time, Johnson succeeded against the Horned Frogs' otherwise-stellar defense, leading a touchdown drive capped by a pass to his younger brother, Jake . Johnson finished Labor Day's clash completing 9-of-11 passes for 103 yards.
Bill Belichick delivered a crucial update on Lopez' status during Wednesday media availability, saying Lopez avoided a serious injury of his own.
On Saturday night in a must-win game, Lopez proved he was plenty healthy, looking comfortable – and thriving – running UNC's offense. Lopez will get his third-consecutive start this coming Saturday against Richmond, as the Tar Heels return home to Kenan Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC quarterback Gio Lopez leads Tar Heels to victory at Charlotte
