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Bill Belichick speaks on UNC’s win over Richmond
The North Carolina Tar Heels were able to make it two straight wins on Saturday afternoon, blowing out Richmond 41-6 in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels led the game from the start and put together a nice performance against the FCS squad.
North Carolina was led by a potent offensive attack, including Gio Lopez throwing for two touchdowns as well as Demon June rushing for over 125 yards and a touchdown.
With the win, UNC is now 2-1 on the year as they go into a big game against UCF next week. But before we look at ahead to that game, here is what head coach Bill Belichick said following this game.
All quotes via Inside Carolina.
Opening statement
“First of all, after the game Chancellor Roberts and the team dedicated the game ball to Mitch (Mason) who’s been with the team for a long time. He’s a real inspirational person for us. And of course, I’ve only known him since I’ve been here, but he’s been an important part of this team and through the years. And so just want to make sure that everybody realizes how important he is to us and how he was recognized by the team after the game, and we dedicated the game and the ball to him. He got on the iPad and talked to us afterwards. He’s fighting and we’re praying for him, just all want to wish him well and let him know how much we’re behind him.
“As far as the game goes, it was a real good team effort today. Thought we got good plays out of all three units. Our special teams stopped the fake punt, gave some good field position in the kicking game, (made) field goals. Offensively, we got a couple big plays, scored some points. And defensively, the goal line stands was a big series for us. And turned the ball over and scored on defense. So overall, a good, solid effort. Certainly, a lot of things we can still work on and do better. There’s no question about that. We left some plays out on the field. … So good to win. Hopefully we can still continue to improve each week with good, solid practices and preparation. Big challenge this week going down to to Orlando, but looking forward to it.”
On Demon June
“He’s earned it. Nobody gave him anything. I mean, he started at the bottom of the depth chart, and just kind of worked his way up. And he’s had some opportunities, he’s done pretty well with them, but he’s made some yards on his own, and that’s a big thing. … He can make that first guy miss. Short yardage play was really a good run, we didn’t really block it that well, there’s two unblocked guys in or near the hole, and he made a miss and turned into a long run. So he’s doing a good job with the ball in his hands. And we got him on that screen pass. That was a big play to set up a score. He’s done a good job in running and catching.”
On progress from the defensive line
“Yeah the second half of the TCU game, it was tough. We kind of got banged around a little bit there. We’ve done a better job of defeating blockers and holding line of scrimmage, playing with better technique. Coach (Bob) Diaco, Steve (Belichick), Ty Nichols, those guys really have done a good job with the front the last couple of weeks. And players have worked hard to improve. It’s right about fundamentals. I mean, there’s no secret sauce, and you gotta line up and be able to defeat the blocks in front of you. And we did a much better job of that today.”
On Gio Lopez through three games
“I think we’re getting more comfortable with him, he’s getting more comfortable with us. There are things that he obviously does really well. We want to try to feature those. (There) are some other things that we need more work on, and some timing and things like that. But he’s done a good job protecting the balls, done a good job making decisions in critical situations for us, and so that’s allowed us a chance to win. So we had turnover at the end of the game today, but really prior to that, another turnover free game from the offense. And you know that goes a long way to winning.”
On Melkart Abou-Jaoude’s game
“I think Melkart’s been a great story for us. Came to us from Delaware, wasn’t that big of a transfer coming in, but just was getting better and better and better and better every day all through the spring. He had a good spring. By the end of the spring, he’s probably our most productive defensive lineman. Of course, we didn’t have Leroy (Jackson) at that point. He was still out. And then he just continued to build on that through the offseason and training and we got to training camp. He’s just put a lot of consistency together, and that’s a guy that you can count on to come in and work hard and do the right thing almost every single day, every single time. And he’s earned a lot of respect and trust from his teammates, obviously, and the defensive coaching staff and certainly head coach. But it’s really been impressive, and he’s just improved so much in every area. His pass rushes, run defense, playing space, his ability to stunt and run games. It just keeps getting better and better. And it’s the kind of guy that you know you just love to work with, because he continues to improve, and just can take those little fine coaching points and continue to move in and make him be effective for his game.”
On any confidence playing a Power 4 team next week?
“Yeah, I hope so. We’ll see next week, but we’ll just go through the preparations for Central. It’s another good football team. I know Scott (Frost) does a good job down there, but we’ll have to gear up for what they do. And they’ve got a lot of skilled athletes. They get the ball in space a lot. And defensively, they got some explosive guys we’re gonna have to handle. So, we’ll find out.”
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