It was a play that perfectly encapsulated the Bill Belichick experience at North Carolina.
For the first time in more than a month, UNC wasn't getting blown out, but had a chance to win. In the red zone and down by three points in the fourth quarter against California on Friday night, quarterback Gio Lopez found Nathan Leacock streaking across the middle of the field.
The touchdown and late lead were right there. All Leacock had to do was cross the goal line and a chance to change the narrative in Chapel Hill was imminent.
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But as Leacock was about to put the Tar Heels ahead, Cal defender Brent Austin punched the ball out. It rolled into the end zone and Austin recovered it. The Golden Bears took possession and held it until it left the Tar Heels with six seconds left and a failed lateral-filled final play.
