Chansky’s Notebook: The Pressure Mounts Ahead of Richmond Game
Art Chansky's Sports Notebook examines the rising expectations surrounding the North Carolina Tar Heels football team after a less-than-thrilling win against Charlotte. With the upcoming game against Richmond, fans are eager to see if Coach Belichick can truly deliver on his promise and if the team is ready for tougher competition.
Fan Discontent After Charlotte Victory
Despite a 20-3 victory over Charlotte, the Tar Heel faithful remain largely unimpressed. There's a noticeable desire for Max Johnson to get playing time and a concern regarding the performance of offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens. Some fans feel the win wasn’t convincing enough.
Kitchens' Unusual Path to UNC
Adding an interesting twist, Freddie Kitchens revealed he never formally applied for his position with UNC, nor did he ask Bill Belichick for the job. His NFL experience, including a stint as head coach for the Cleveland Browns, apparently sufficed. This revelation adds another layer to the scrutiny surrounding the offensive strategy.
Richmond: A Must-Win Game
The upcoming game against Richmond is perceived as a crucial opportunity for the Tar Heels to demonstrate their potential. After Charlotte, a decisive victory is demanded. The Spiders, with a 1-1 record after losing to Lehigh and barely beating Wofford, both FCS teams, should present a favorable opportunity for a dominant performance.
The Belichick Factor and Fan Expectations
The turnout at the sold-out Kenan Stadium for the Richmond game will likely indicate the fans' confidence in Belichick and the team's progress. The game is viewed as a barometer of the team's readiness for the tougher challenges that lie ahead, including a trip to Orlando to face Central Florida.
Looking Ahead: Central Florida and Scott Frost
Next week's game against Central Florida (UCF) presents a significant challenge. UCF, under the leadership of Scott Frost, who returned to the program after a stint with Nebraska, recently defeated North Carolina A&T and Jacksonville State. Frost famously played for the undefeated 1997 Cornhuskers and coached the undefeated 2017 Knights.
Featured image via Associated Press/Nell Redmond
Art Chansky is a veteran journalist who has written ten books, including best-sellers “Game Changers,” “Blue Bloods,” and “The Dean’s List.” He has contributed to WCHL for decades, having made his first appearance as a student in 1971. His “Sports Notebook” commentary airs daily on the 97.9 The Hill WCHL and his “Art’s Angle” opinion column runs weekly on Chapelboro.
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