All eyes were on Chapel Hill as Bill Belichick made his long-awaited college coaching debut. The scene was electric. Fireworks exploded, legends lined the sidelines, and North Carolina fans filled Kenan Stadium with anticipation. By halftime, the mood had already turned sour, and by the end of the third quarter the Tar Heels were buried under a 48–14 blowout at the hands of TCU. The first half provided an early warning. TCU established a 20–7 lead by leaning on balance and physicality. Quarterback Chandler Morris efficiently guided the offense, while the Horned Frogs’ defense pressured Carolina into hurried throws and short possessions. The Tar Heels looked tight, managing just one sustained drive before halftime. Whatever hope remained was erased on the first play of the second half. TCU running back Kavarion Barnes broke free for a 75-yard touchdown sprint that silenced the stadium. Two minutes later, after a Carolina three-and-out, the Frogs went on a nine-play, 85-yard march capped by a 28-yard touchdown run from Trent Battle. Suddenly it was 34–7, and the crowd’s energy disappeared. The rest of the game turned into a showcase for TCU’s depth and speed. The Horned Frogs finished with more than 500 yards of offense, including 260 on the ground. Their defense forced three turnovers and recorded five sacks, keeping North Carolina’s offense off balance throughout. North Carolina’s struggles were glaring. The Tar Heels turned the ball over twice in the third quarter alone and finished with fewer than 300 total yards. Their running game was ineffective, their passing game never found rhythm, and their special teams gave up field position repeatedly. For a debut that had been hyped as historic, the reality was humbling. Belichick was measured afterward. “We knew this was going to be a challenge,” he told reporters. “TCU played very well. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we’ll get back to it this week.” TCU head coach Sonny Dykes, meanwhile, praised his team’s composure. “We came into a tough environment and responded the way I hoped,” he said. “Our guys played fast, physical, and confident. That’s what we wanted to see.” The final numbers painted the picture. TCU 48, North Carolina 14. Total yardage 512 to 289. Third down conversions heavily in favor of the Horned Frogs. Time of possession leaning their way by nearly ten minutes. It was not just a loss for the Tar Heels, it was a dismantling. For North Carolina fans, the disappointment cut deep. The Belichick era began with celebration and hope, but the opener showed how far this team has to go. Every future opponent will see the Tar Heels as a chance to make their own statement against the legendary coach. The schedule provides opportunities for improvement, but patience will be required. For TCU, the win was more than a road victory. It was a reminder that the Horned Frogs remain a force in the Big 12. Barnes’ long touchdown run, Battle’s physical finish, and a defensive front that dominated the line set a tone for the season. The stage was set for a coronation. Instead, TCU turned it into a reality check. Chapel Hill welcomed Bill Belichick to college football. The Horned Frogs made sure he will not forget his first night.