4 encouraging signs as Bill Belichick leads North Carolina to win a year after TCU blowout

Last season, Bill Belichick's debut couldn't have started better with North Carolina marching down the field for a touchdown before the game turned into a nightmare. When the Tar Heels marched down the field for a field goal before 10 straight TCU points, it looked like this season could be more of the same. Instead, Belichick and the Tar Heels adjusted and hung on for dear life, securing a 15-10 win over TCU.

While Bill Belichick was facing a different TCU team, this game was a major test for the Tar Heels and whether the program was actually heading in the right direction. As the Tar Heels fly home from Ireland and head into a bye week, there are some great signs that this season could be better than expected.

The 4 best signs from North Carolina's season opening win

Bill Belichick called a brilliant game defensively

In the 1st quarter, it looked like neither defense would make a stop, which was bad news for Bill Belichick as he was calling the defense. After the 1st quarter, Belichick adjusted to stop TCU's outside running game, putting the game in the hands of Jaden Craig, who never looked comfortable. The defense wasn't the issue last season, but seeing Belichick call an outstanding game, adjusting to shut TCU out in the final 3 quarters, is proof he can still coach at a high-level.

Jordan Shipp is a problem

Last season, North Carolina didn't have enough true difference-makers on the roster to help make up for the holes elsewhere in the roster. The good news is Jordan Shipp is still that level of player, finishing this game with 5 catches for 71 yards, and if not for the wet conditions, it could've been even more. In the 4th quarter, Jordan Shipp almost extended the lead to 22-10, but Billy Edwards just overthrew him, instead leading to a missed field goal. The passing attack runs through Jordan Shipp, and he'll only help whoever plays quarterback each week.

Finally, a first-half lead!

The story of North Carolina's season last year was getting in a hole early and never being able to climb out of it in Power 4 games. On Saturday, the Tar Heels set a milestone in the Bill Belichick era, taking their first lead into halftime in a Power 4 game. It may have taken a high snap on a punt by TCU leading to a safety for the Tar Heels to grab the 12-10 lead, but North Carolina fans would've taken a lead regardless of how it happened.

Xavier Lewis and Melkart Abou Jaoude were unblockable

When Melkart Abou Jaoude walked to the locker room early in the game, it looked like North Carolina's defense could be in trouble. Instead, Melkart Abou Jaoude returned and paired with Xavier Lewis to generate a pass rush for the Tar Heels. The duo combined for 3 sacks, including a strip sack, which was crucial in such a tight game.

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