Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Bill Belichick might be regarded as the best coach in NFL history, but he told reporters he was "outcoached" in his North Carolina debut, a 48-14 loss to TCU.
Belichick made the comments in his postgame news conference Monday in Chapel Hill, N.C. The six-time Super Bowl champion, who was hired in December, cited turnovers and other "self-inflicted wounds" as reasons for the lopsided setback.
"They just outplayed us, outcoached us and they were just better than we were," Belichick said. "That's all there was to it. They did a lot more things right than we did. Give them credit for being the better team. They certainly deserved it."
The Horned Frogs outgained the Tar Heels 542-222 in total yards. They held advantages of 29-10 in first downs and 258-50 in rushing yards. The visitors averaged 7.4 yards per carry, compared to 1.8 yards for their foes. The Tar Heels also logged three turnovers, compared to one for the Horned Frogs.
Belichick's team got off to a strong start, using seven plays on an 83-yard scoring drive to open the game with momentum. Tar Heels running back Caleb Hood ended that possession with an 8-yard rushing touchdown.
