A trip to the Sunshine State leaves UNC frozen out of quality nonconference wins, as the UCF Knights handled the Tar Heels 34-9 on Saturday. 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell and Michael Koh discuss the team’s performance, including another underwhelming offensive performance that saw a QB change forced by injury. The metrics reflect Carolina’s lack of explosiveness and Gio Lopez’s injury adds a new layer to the challenge of creating offense. Michael and Brighton hand out their grades to each unit before previewing the road ahead in ACC play. Shelby Swanson of the News & Observer joins to share her observations from Orlando and which of UNC’s problems are fixable in the short-term. Plus, in “What In Tar-Nation,” a caller hits the panic button on the Bill Belichick coaching experience — is that justified at this point? And what are the Way-Too-Early Predictions for how Belichick will spend his first bye week.
Ahead of the game vs. Clemson, listeners can call 919-240-6000 to leave voicemails for the show. Those who do may be featured in “What In Tar-Nation?!” on the next edition of “The Carolina Football Hour,” which is Monday, Sep. 29.
The Carolina Football Hour is your home for football insights from the Tar Heel Sports flagship station! Reactions, analysis, special guests — plus, a space for post-game callers, fans and listeners can share their observations and contribute their own voice to the broadcast. Tune in Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. on 97.9 The Hill WCHL and listen on-demand afterward on your favorite audio apps, like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe:
Related Stories
‹

Art’s Angle: Going Gets TougherThe 34-9 beatdown of UNC football by UCF on Saturday isn’t helping head coach Bill Belichick's flagging football reputation.

UCF Stifles UNC Football, Sends Tar Heels to Second Loss of 2025 SeasonUCF held UNC to just 217 total yards of offense on its way to a 34-9 win over the Tar Heels in Orlando Saturday afternoon. Carolina managed just two total yards in the opening quarter and 97 in the first half, during which time quarterback Gio Lopez threw two interceptions. Both provided major sparks for […]

Art's Angle: Progress Within A Familiar ResultUNC football did not let its loss to No. 3 Notre Dame get out of hand, which is an improvement. But it is still has a lot of work to do.

No. 3 Notre Dame Brings Tough Test to UNC After Loss to Clemson — The Carolina Football Hour (Oct. 3, 2026)Coming off of UNC football's bye week, 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell and Michael Koh preview of Carolina's matchup with No. 3 Notre Dame.

UNC Athletic Director, Chancellor Say 'Corrective Action Plan' Being Developed After Football InvestigationOne week after UNC closed its internal investigation into the Tar Heel football program for potential conduct and policy violations, the university's leaders shed more light on the decision and their next steps.

Amid Off-Field Investigation, UNC Tries to Focus on Hosting ETSU — The Carolina Football Hour (Sept. 12, 2026)The Hill’s Brighton McConnell and Michael Koh return to the studio from UNC football's bye week filled with many off-field stories.

Chansky's Notebook: A Moment For The FutureIf another coach doesn’t take over for Bill Belichick for the last 11 games of this season, what a circus it would continue to be for UNC.
![]()
Reacting to UNC Football's Ongoing Investigation, NBA's Punishment of Clippers – Stroman On Sports (September 4, 2026)The Hill's Deborah Stroman joins News Director Brighton McConnell on Friday, September 4, for their weekly chat.

Social Media Reacts to UNC Football's Win to Kick Off 2026 SeasonUNC fans and college football pundits took to social media to share their thoughts about the Tar Heels' win on Saturday.
![]()
UNC Football Under Microscope Again With Lombardi's Administrative Leave – Stroman On Sports (July 31, 2026)The Hill's Deborah Stroman and Brighton McConnell chat on Friday, July 31, about UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi landing on administrative leave amid a university-led investigation.
›