University of North Carolina Athletics
November 8, 2026 | Football
More of the same from Jelani Thurman and a trio of forced turnovers helped the Tar Heels comfortably win on the road.
UNC fans have grown used to games going down to the wire this season. There was no need for that on Saturday.
Head coach Bill Belichick's team turned in one of its most well-rounded performances of the year in their 38-21 win at Connecticut, getting help from both the offense and defense in putting the Huskies away.
"I'm happy for the team," Bill Belichick said. "We lost two tough games the last two weeks. The guys have worked hard. They put in a lot of work and preparation and didn't have much to show for it the last two weeks. Happy today that things worked out for them and they were able to celebrate in the locker room."
In some ways, Saturday's game was more of the same for the Tar Heels (5-4, 2-3 ACC), who recorded their highest point total of the year.
Jelani Thurman continued to amaze, tying the single-season program record for touchdown catches by a tight end (eight) with his third two-score game of the season. Billy Edwards Jr., the ACC Quarterback of the Week, also built off his outstanding performance against No. 1 Miami with another good outing, moving past an early interception and completing 29-of-38 passes for 255 yards and three TDs.
But there was also a welcomed turnover frenzy on defense, punctuated by redshirt sophomore linebacker Timir Hickman-Collins' big day. After failing to get a takeaway in its last two contests, the Tar Heel defense created three against UConn, including Hickman-Collins' 62-yard pick-six that opened the scoring in the first quarter.
The Huskies, who initially punted the ball away, decided to go for it when a UNC penalty on the punt made it fourth-and-3. Hickman-Collins impressively gathered the ball after it was tipped by UConn's Kenji Christian, avoided stumbling to the ground and then raced to the end zone for UNC's first defensive TD of the season.
"We've been really harping all year that we need to force turnovers," Hickman-Collins said. "Every day in practice we've been doing that."
Hickman-Collins said "that's just instincts" when describing his second takeaway, a forced fumble and recovery he made while lying on his back as UConn quarterback Kalieb Osborne attempted to extend the ball for a first down.
The turnover gave UNC a short field to work with, which led to a 6-yard Jordan Shipp TD reception on the second of three straight possessions the Tar Heels reached paydirt in the second quarter.
Belichick applauded Hickman-Collins for his performance, noting the way he's stepped up with fellow linebacker Jonathan Agumadu missing his second straight game.
"He's done a nice job for us. He's smart," Belichick said. "He communicates. He's really one of our leaders on defense."
UNC's final forced turnover, the first career interception by defensive back Jalon Thompson, helped put the game away late in the fourth quarter by setting up Thurman's second TD, a 3-yard score that extended the Tar Heels' lead to three scores.
"We just played our game," said Thurman, who hauled in a season-best seven catches. "We played a good four quarters."
With the victory, UNC surpassed its win total from last year. Unsurprisingly, the man overseeing the Tar Heels' improvement isn't ready to reflect on that accomplishment.
"Right now, we just need to focus on Louisville, which will be plenty for us to deal with," Belichick said.
Three and out
A trio of additional notes from Saturday's win
1. Welcome back, Benjamin Hall
Benjamin Hall ran the ball only two times in the Tar Heels' win at Duke before exiting with an injury and missing the Syracuse game. The redshirt junior was back in action last week against Miami, but he truly announced his return against the Huskies.
Hall picked a great time for the longest run of his career, catching UConn off guard with a 39-yard TD on third-and-9 in the second quarter. After finding initial room to run, Hall bounced his run to the outside and broke out of tackles on his way to the end zone.
He finished with a team-best 81 rushing yards on nine carries and also made four catches for 26 yards.
"It's great to have Ben back," Belichick said. "He's one of our captains, one of our real leaders, and he's a guy that's first in and last out."
2. Thurman continues to amaze
Each week, Belichick finds himself providing reporters with the same breakdown of Thurman, his offense's biggest scoring threat. "He's fast. He's got really good hands. He's good after the catch. Blocks well," said Belichick, who added that it's "almost impossible" to overthrow the 6'6", 245-pound target.
What everyone sees on the field each Saturday backs up that assessment.
As was the case against Miami, Thurman showed again against UConn that he's especially dangerous in the red zone. It's often difficult for defenses to account for him while also respecting UNC's running game.
Thurman didn't come to UNC expecting to be this prolific right away, he said. He just wanted a chance, one he's clearly taking. After entering Saturday with the third most catches among Power Four tight ends, Thurman now has 45 receptions for 525 yards.
"I don't know if it was in (the coaches') plan, but they definitely executed well," Thurman said with a laugh.
3. Abou Jaoude perseveres
It was easy to tell how much defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude's sack late in the fourth quarter, his first since the season opener, meant to his teammates.
Abou Jaoude, who earned Second Team All-ACC honors last season, injured his hand and wrist against TCU and missed UNC's next two contests.
Even since returning against Notre Dame, Abou Jaoude has had to learn how to play with a large wrap over his hand. He's still found ways to be disruptive, and Saturday's performance showed Abou Jaoude is inching closer to his 2025 form, which could be a boon to the Tar Heels down the stretch.
"Melkart is really a quiet leader," Hickman-Collins said. "I'll tell you, the whole defense looks up to him. The way he goes about working."
Belichick concurred, calling Abou Jaoude a player "you can't help but root for."
