North Carolina (2-3, 0-1 ACC) and California (4-2, 1-1 ACC) meet tonight in a Week 8 ACC battle at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.
Bill Belichick’s first college season has become a national storyline — and not for the reasons North Carolina hoped. The Tar Heels have struggled mightily on offense, averaging only 18.8 points per game, dead last in the ACC. Drives routinely stall, with UNC ranking near the bottom of the FBS in third-down conversions (31.7%) and time of possession (26:40).
The lack of rhythm has exposed an offense that hasn’t found a consistent quarterback or identity.
UNC’s defense has been decent statistically, allowing 25.8 points and 373.2 total yards per game, but the pass defense (246.2 ypg allowed) has been vulnerable.
The bright spot has been the red zone, where opponents have scored on just 65% of their trips — one of the best in the nation. Yet the defensive endurance is constantly tested by the offense’s inability to sustain drives.
It’s no surprise that reports continue to surface about Belichick’s job being in jeopardy, given UNC’s 2–3 start and the off-field turbulence surrounding his first college season.
California enters with more stability. The Golden Bears are anchored by a defense allowing just 22.5 points per game and 329.8 yards per game, one of the league’s better marks.
True freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has flashed promise, surpassing 1,400 passing yards already, though turnovers and protection issues have limited the offense’s consistency.
Cal’s goal tonight will be to test UNC’s secondary early while maintaining ball control — areas where the Tar Heels have repeatedly faltered. For North Carolina, the priority is simple: establish offensive rhythm, extend drives, and show evidence that Belichick’s system can work at the college level.
Another anemic showing could intensify the conversation about whether the Belichick experiment in Chapel Hill was ever a fit.
Prediction
Given UNC’s offensive woes and Cal’s defensive steadiness, the Bears should control tempo and avoid letting UNC back in late.
Projected Score: California 30, North Carolina 14
How to Watch UNC vs. California
Kickoff for tonight’s UNC-Cal game is set for 10:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM Pacific at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.
The game airs live on ESPN and streams on the ESPN app and website.
If you’re a cord-cutter without an active livestreaming plan, you can watch the game for free by taking advantage of free trials from DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or YouTube TV.
YouTube TV even offers a 20-minute free preview, without having to register for a trial — if you just want to catch part of the game.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. California Golden Bears
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 10:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM Pacific
Venue: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app and website
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