Jordon Hudson’s presence on the sidelines didn’t really inspire confidence for coach Bill Belichick’s North Carolina team.
The 24-year-old was seen cheerfully taking photos with ACC sideline officials before the University of North Carolina’s narrow 17-16 defeat to Virginia on Saturday.
Throughout the season, Hudson has been frequently visible, cheering for the 73-year-old Belichick right by the field. In fact, he had even given Belichick a pep talk before one of the earlier games this season.
Hudson has faced some backlash from fans regarding his role on the sidelines, and before UNC’s 38-10 loss to Clemson on October 5, he was spotted conversing with ACC commissioner Jim Phillips.
This appearance came after a video shared by journalist Pablo Torre showed Hudson and Belichick discussing some frustrations with the staff on the set of his show “Coach.”
“I don’t know why they have four full-time graphics people,” Hudson commented.
Belichick responded, “They can’t do that.”
“Right?” Hudson echoed.
As for the Tar Heels, the team has struggled to find its rhythm this year. They faced a tough overtime loss against the 16th-ranked Cavaliers, remaining in search of their first ACC victory.
The game concluded with a bold decision by Belichick. Instead of opting for a straightforward extra point to tie, he decided to go for two, hoping to take the lead.
However, the Virginia defense managed to stop running back Benjamin Hall just short of the goal line, resulting in a loss for UNC.
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez had a decent game, throwing for 208 yards with 23 completions out of 36 attempts along with a touchdown but notably threw two crucial interceptions.
Wide receiver Jordan Shipp led the team in receiving with 67 yards from seven catches.
“It’s one thing for people to say, ‘We’re getting better,’ but I mean we’re actually showing it,” Shipp remarked to reporters. “[Virginia] is a top-20 ranked team in the country, and you go there and lose on the last play of the game.”
