Bill Belichick, UNC Offense Criticized By CFB Fans After Struggles in Loss to Cal

A second early bye week might not have been enough time for Bill Belichick to solve the problems with UNC's offense, though he did come close to winning his first game against a Power Four opponent if not for a late-game blundr.

The Tar Heels returned from the break only to suffer a 21-18 loss to Cal. The game swung when Cal defensive back Brent Austin punched the ball out of Nathan Leacock's arms as the sophomore receiver was one yard away from the end zone with 3:48 remaining.

Austin recovered the ball in the end zone to give the Golden Bears possession and preserve the win.

Cal was able to have some fun in the aftermath of its dramatic win by parodying the statements that Belichick and UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham about the maligned head coach's status with the program.

North Carolina was outgained 294-287 as college football fans questioned the program's head coach and its ability to put points on the board.

North Carolina's opening drive ended in lost fumble from Shanard Clower. It took Cal just four plays to run the ball in for a touchdown the other way.

UNC tied the game on an 18-yard touchdown run from Benjamin Hall later in the first quarter, although Belichick's defense was unable to stop Jacob De Jesus from putting the Golden Bears back in front with a one-handed touchdown reception.

The Tar Heels held the Golden Bears without a point in the second quarter, but had to settle for just a 41-yard field goal of their own.

Belichick's club went into the break still trailing, with the two teams combining for four total punts in the final three minutes of the half.

North Carolina is off to a 2-4 start to the season, most recently having dropped consecutive blowouts to UCF and Clemson before Friday's heartbreaker.

Belichick's debut season as a college coach has been further marred by off-field drama surrounding his and general manager Michael Lombardi's management of the program.

The UNC head coach will deal with another week of intense media attention after another disappointing loss, though at least this was in a competitive game. It's the first time the Tar Heels have lost by fewer than 23 points against a Power Four team.

Things won't get easier for Belichick next week, as North Carolina will host No. 18 Virginia at Kenan Stadium on Oct. 25.