Bill Belichick is already facing high expectations for his first year as UNC head coach, and one of his counterparts made a bold prediction.

One of the biggest reasons for hope in Year 1 of the Belichick era is South Alabama transfer quarterback Gio Lopez. He was handpicked by Belichick to lead the Tar Heels' offense after throwing for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 66% of his passes last year. Lopez also ran for 465 yards and seven touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry.

Bill Belichick hasn’t spoken at ACC Kickoff, but Pat Narduzzi already has him and UNC penciled in for the ACC title game.