BOSTON — UConn’s triumph in the Fenway Bowl revealed to North Carolina’s soon-to-be head coach, Bill Belichick, the considerable challenges that lie ahead for him.
Joe Fagnano had a standout game, throwing for 151 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Huskies to a 27-14 win over the Tar Heels at Fenway Park, a game that aptly highlighted Belichick’s future tasks. This defeat came as an unwelcome surprise for Belichick’s new team in a venue where he once experienced great success.
While Belichick was notably absent from the home of the Boston Red Sox — a little over an hour’s drive from the stadium that celebrated his six Super Bowl victories with Tom Brady — interim coach Freddie Kitchens took charge in light of Mack Brown’s recent firing. Kitchens, who has a similar coaching history with the Cleveland Browns like Belichick, managed the bowl game preparations.
“We’re going to rise early tomorrow to work on enhancing the program,” Kitchens stated, emphasizing the commitment of the coaching staff. “Our ultimate goal is to improve from here and see how we fare at the next kickoff. It’s crucial for us to foster a strong environment filled with individuals passionate about football and devoted to Carolina.”
UConn fans made their presence felt at Fenway Park, dominating the atmosphere while their team showcased a powerful performance on the field. Mel Brown contributed significantly, rushing for 96 yards, while Skyler Bell made an impact by catching three passes for 77 yards, including a pivotal 38-yard touchdown reception that initially put the Huskies ahead 10-0 in the first quarter. Although Chris Culliver managed to score on a 95-yard kickoff return for North Carolina, it would turn out to be the team’s only scoring surge in the first half.
In the fourth quarter, the Tar Heels began to find their rhythm offensively when running back Caleb Hood stepped in at quarterback, scrambling to collect 64 yards on five attempts before connecting with John Copenhaver for a 17-yard touchdown pass.
“It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that we really started to kick it into gear,” Copenhaver remarked. “Unfortunately, it was too little too late.”
The Tar Heels’ backup quarterbacks did not perform as expected, as Jacolby Criswell was hurt after a brief scramble, leaving Michael Merdinger to replace him. Unfortunately, Merdinger’s presence did little to invigorate the offensive effort, which struggled considerably throughout the game. North Carolina failed to register a first down until the dying moments of the half, scrambling together a two-minute effort that ultimately ended in an interception thrown by Merdinger.
“They’re undergoing significant changes and challenges, yet they continued fighting,” noted UConn coach Jim Mora. “Freddie did a commendable job of maintaining the team’s spirit.”
For UConn, this victory marked their ninth win of the season—an achievement not seen since 2007—and their first triumph over an Atlantic Coast Conference team this year, having narrowly lost to three others. “Those close games against ACC teams were a big topic,” defensive back Durante Jones shared. “It feels rewarding to finally surpass that hurdle.”
On the other hand, North Carolina finished the season with three consecutive losses, resulting in their first sub-.500 record since 2021, a significant factor in Mack Brown’s dismissal.
The conditions during the game were far from ideal, starting with rain, yet the field largely held up, only needing minor maintenance here and there. Snow was collected along the right field line and near the iconic Green Monster, while the scoreboard was cleverly adapted from baseball to reflect football metrics.
“Sweet Caroline” echoed through the stadium during a timeout late in the fourth quarter, adding to the unique ambiance of the game.
“Playing at Fenway, I couldn’t help but glance around and appreciate how lucky we were to be on this historic field,” Mora reflected, expressing his gratitude for the experience. “It’s a lasting memory I’ll cherish.”
Looking ahead, UConn is set to benefit from four more years with Mora at the helm, following the announcement of a two-year contract extension on game day. Meanwhile, North Carolina is preparing for a transformative phase under the new regime, nicknamed “Chapel Bill.”
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