After all these months, I’m still not used to seeing Bill Belichick in front of a UNC/Jumpman backdrop.
He definitely has returned to grumpy old man mode. There weren’t the laughs that came in Hubert’s
offseason press conference and the few times Belichick did crack a smile it looked like his face might break.
As for what was discussed in this presser leading up to the first ACC game for Carolina, Belichick said in the bye week the team made some improvements and reset a few things. He claimed to be excited and looking forward to it but it was… unconvincing.
He said the Heels are doing better than they were four weeks ago but still have a lot of things to improve on.
Coach doesn’t want to necessarily play the five best offensive linemen but the combo that plays the best together. How well you play with the man next to you will be the biggest determining factor. Having Blaske back is big.
Asked about a QB change Belichick said the older players (Gio Lopez, Max Johnson) obviously have more experience but the freshmen are gaining ground.
He mentioned a couple of players dealing with health/family issues and said that has to overtake football.
He said he has a great relationship with Dabo and has worked with lots of players from Clemson in the NFL, but in the end they are on opposite sides of the field Saturday so game on.
Interestingly, Coach admitted he doesn’t have much experience at the college level and that he’s asked for advice from Dabo and been receiving lots of it.
He agreed with Mike Lombardi’s statement that they were looking at rebuilding through high school recruitment, saying the portal will eventually open up down the road but that’s a bridge they can cross when they get there. High school players will be your foundation then you supplement with transfers that fill a need.
Both teams have had disappointing beginnings to their seasons so it should be interesting to see what happens Saturday.
