UConn vs. UNC highlights: Catch up on big moments from Fenway Bowl
UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano threw two touchdowns, Mel Brown ran for 96 yards, and the Huskies dominated North Carolina 27-14 in the Fenway Bowl in Boston.
Fagnano, who went 16-23 for 151 yards, threw touchdown passes to Skyler Bell and Alex Honig in the first half, and the defense swarmed the Tar Heels, who played the final three quarters without their starting quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who left the game and did not return after an undisclosed injury.
The Tar Heels offense was virtually non-existent after Criswell’s injury, struggling to move the ball consistently. UNC had 10 first downs, didn’t convert any of their nine third-down chances, and had 206 total yards of offense, most of it coming in the fourth quarter after the outcome had long been decided. Criswell’s replacement, freshman Michael Merdinger, went 9-12 for 86 yards and an interception and was sacked four times at Fenway Park.
North Carolina scored on a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown by Chris Culliver in the first quarter, which cut the UConn lead to 10-7.
Once Carolina figured out some semblance of an offense by running the ball, it was too little and too late. In the fourth quarter, the Heels capped off a 96-yard drive when Caleb Hood found Timmy Lawson on a 17-yard scoring toss with 6:46 left.
For UConn, the bowl victory capped a nine-win season (only the fourth time the school has reached that mark in 128 years of football) for head coach Jim Mora, who received a contract extension and pay raise before the game.
The Bill Belichick era now begins for North Carolina, which will start its 2025 campaign with a home game against TCU on August 30.
Is Bill Belichick coaching UNC today?
Interim coach Freddie Kitchens led lead the Tar Heels against the Huskies in the Fenway Bowl on Saturday.
UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham said Belichick does not want to be a distraction, which is the same reason he hasn't been present at any of the team's bowl practices.
"People are excited about the future," Cunningham told ESPN. "We've talked about how college sports is really changing. The idea of having Bill and someone with his background in professional sports is something that we're all excited about. This is where we're headed, and it's good to be an early adopter."
UConn extends lead in Fenway Bowl, up 27-7 through third
The third quarter was more of the same for UConn, who added a field goal to lead the Fenway Bowl 27-7. North Carolina continued their bumbling act on offense, gaining only 21 yards in the third quarter. The Tar Heels have two first downs and 67 total yards in the game.
UConn leads offensively-challenged UNC at halftime
The Huskies have had their way with North Carolina in the first half, taking a 24-7 lead into the break in a soggy Fenway Bowl. UNC starting quarterback Jacolby Criswell was knocked out in the first quarter with an undisclosed injury, and the Tar Heel offense has suffered since then. UNC ran only 15 plays for 45 total yards, no first downs, is 0-for-4 on third down, and has been penalized eight times. The Heels’ only score was a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown from Chris Culliver.
UConn has two touchdown passes from Joe Fagnano, who hit Skyler Bell for 38 yards in the first quarter, and Alex Honig for 4 yards in the second quarter. Mel Brown has 92 rushing yards for the Huskies, including a 47-yard tote on the game’s first play. Cam Edwards capped off the first half scoring with a.2-yard run on fourth down with:54 remaining.
UConn extends lead to 17-7
UConn upped its lead back to 10 on a four-yard touchdown catch from Joe Fagnano to Alex Honig, The 79-yard, 11-play drive was also aided by two personal fouls calls on North Carolina. Fagnano has two touchdown passes and 89 yards through the air so far.
Carolina strikes back with kickoff return TD
After Skyler Bell caught a 38-yard pass from Joe Fagnano to give UConn a 10-0 lead, North Carolina struck back quickly with a 95-yard return touchdown on the ensuing kickoff by Chris Culliver to get the Tar Heels on the board for the first time.
UNC quarterback Jacolby Criswell injured
Criswell was injured in the first quarter after a seven-yard scramble. He left the field with the help of trainers favoring his shoulder. Michael Merdinger, a 6-3 freshman quarterback from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, filled in for him, and his first pass was incomplete, leading to a punt. North Carolina has only 13 yards on its two drives with two three-and-outs.
UConn, Mora agree to new contract
UConn and head coach Jim Mora agreed to a new contract, reports ESPN.
The deal will run through the 2028 season, and Mora will make about $2.5 million each season of the contract.
Mora has a 17-20 record in three seasons with the school and has taken the Huskies to a bowl game in two of those years.
UConn opens scoring with field goal
Running back Mel Brown broke open on a 47-yard run in the game’s first play, but after one third down conversion, the Tar Heel defense held, leading to a 32-yard field goal from Chris Freeman. The scoring drive took 4:14 and went 61 yards in nine plays.
When is the Fenway Bowl between UConn and North Carolina?
The Wasabi Fenway Bowl game between the UConn Huskies and the North Carolina Tar Heels kicks off at 11 a.m. ET at Fenway Park in Boston.
How to watch UConn and North Carolina in the Fenway Bowl
The Wasabi Fenway Bowl game between the UConn Huskies and the North Carolina Tar Heels will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.
Watch UConn take on North Carolina with a Fubo subscripton
UConn vs. North Carolina: Fenway Bowl odds
The North Carolina Tar Heels are favorites to defeat the UConn Huskies, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Sat, Dec. 28
- Spread: North Carolina (-2.5)
- Moneyline: North Carolina (-135); UConn (+115)
- Over/under: 54.5
Bill Belichick not expected to attend bowl game
New North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick is not expected to attend Saturday's Fenway Bowl against UConn.
UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham said Belichick does not want to be a distraction, which is the same reason he hasn't been present at any of the team's bowl practices.
"People are excited about the future," Cunningham told ESPN. "We've talked about how college sports is really changing. The idea of having Bill and someone with his background in professional sports is something that we're all excited about. This is where we're headed, and it's good to be an early adopter."
Interim coach Freddie Kitchens will lead the Tar Heels against the Huskies.
Fenway Bowl predictions: UConn vs. North Carolina
Paste BN: All but one expert picks North Carolina
- Scooby Axson: North Carolina
- Jordan Mendoza: North Carolina
- Paul Myerberg: North Carolina
- Erick Smith: UConn
- Eddie Timanus: North Carolina
- Dan Wolken: North Carolina
Fayetteville Observer: UConn 24, UNC 20
Rodd Baxley writes: "The Tar Heels have enough to worry about with finding a new coach and finding the players to turn things around in Chapel Hill. The Huskies have been one of the best turnarounds in college football this season. Jim Mora's club will win at Fenway Park."
College Football Network: UConn 26, North Carolina 21
Will Helm writes: "Take the Huskies and the under, as they’ll grind it out and frustrate the Tar Heels. If Hampton decides to play, I’ll be nervous. But without its best player, I don’t think North Carolina’s offense can score enough to beat UConn."
UConn vs. North Carolina all-time record
The UConn Huskies and the North Carolina Tar Heels have faced off three times in their history. The Tar Heels have a 3-0 record in the series.
North Carolina beat UConn 12-10 in their last matchup on Sept. 12, 2009.
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