NORTH CAROLINA UNC loses starting quarterback to injury during loss at UCF….
UNC Loses Starting QB Gio Lopez to Injury in Tough Loss at UCF
The North Carolina Tar Heels suffered a double blow Saturday night, falling 34-21 to UCF while also losing starting quarterback Gio Lopez to an injury in the second quarter. Lopez, who had been a promising leader for the Tar Heels’ offense, went down on a scramble and appeared to favor his right leg before being helped off the field. He did not return to the game.
Before the injury, Lopez had completed 9 of 14 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, showing poise and mobility. His departure marked a clear turning point, as UNC struggled to maintain offensive rhythm under backup quarterback Jalen Davis, who managed only 78 passing yards and threw a late interception.
UCF capitalized on the shift, dominating time of possession and wearing down the Tar Heels’ defense. With the loss, UNC drops to 2-2 on the season, and the road ahead becomes more uncertain depending on the severity of Lopez’s injury.
Head coach Mack Brown called the injury “concerning” but stated the team would await further evaluation before determining Lopez’s timeline. With conference play looming, the Tar Heels will need to regroup quickly and prepare for a potential change under center.
