North Carolina visits Cal on Friday night, seeking its first ACC victory under coach Bill Belichick.
Posted October 17, 2025 10:45 p.m. EDT
Updated October 17, 2025 11:03 p.m. EDT
By Brian Murphy, WRAL News
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field after losing to Clemson in an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field after losing to Clemson in an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina fumbled on its first offensive play, and California quickly converted it into an early touchdown.
Freshman wide receiver Shanard Clower caught a short pass from quarterback Gio Lopez, but fumbled on his way to the ground. California’s Cam Sidney recovered and four plays later, the Bears cashed in for the game’s first points. Former NC State running back Kendrick Rapheal had three carries for 22 yards on the scoring drive.
It was not how the Tar Heels hoped to start the first road ACC game of Bill Belichick’s tenure.
