Demon June runs for 3 TDs as North Carolina routs East Tennessee State 35-3 for 2-0 start

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- — Demon June had three rushing touchdowns and Billy Edwards threw for two first-quarter scores as North Carolina routed East Tennessee State 35-3 on Saturday in its home opener. June ran for touchdowns of 9, 6, and 1 yard for the Tar Heels, who improved to 2-0 for the fourth time in the last five seasons. “Good to get that one today,” North Carolina coach Bill Belichick said. “It was a solid effort in all three phases.” Edwards completed 15 of 20 passes for 244 yards, connecting with eight different receivers. Jelani Thurman had a team-high 71 yards receiving, including a 24-yard catch-and-run to open the scoring just 1:19 in. “He's shown to have the ability to be a Swiss Army knife in terms of how we want to use him and how (offensive coordinator Bobby) Petrino and the offensive staff kind of schemes it up for him,” Edwards said of Thurman, who had four catches for 94 yards in the season-opening win over TCU. “I expect him to continue to get better and continue to kind of evolve as a tight end in this offense.” The Tar Heels allowed only 255 yards and forced two turnovers. They also registered four sacks, two apiece by Jaylen Harvey and Xavier Lewis. After going three-and-out to open the game, North Carolina converted five of its next six drives for touchdowns. The second of those scores, a 26-yard swing pass to Benjamin Hall, capped a 10-play, 99-yard drive. That matched the team’s longest scoring drive since 2022 against Miami. Mason Mims was 23-of-31 passing for 178 yards and one interception for ETSU (1-2). North Carolina led 35-0 after three quarters before lightning delayed the game one hour and 19 minutes. The takeaway ETSU: The Buccaneers did themselves no favors against a superior opponent, committing seven penalties for 67 yards. North Carolina: The Tar Heels took advantage of a soft spot on their schedule, holding their Football Championship Subdivision guests scoreless for over 56 minutes. They’ve now gone seven full quarters without allowing a touchdown. Out of action North Carolina defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude did not play. The redshirt senior, who led the Atlantic Coast Conference with 10.5 sacks last year, wore a cast on his right forearm/hand. “He's day-to-day,” Belichick said. “Nobody's working harder than he is to get back. We'll get him back as soon as possible.” Up next ETSU: Hosts West Georgia next Saturday. North Carolina: Visits Clemson next Saturday in an Atlantic Coast Conference game. ------ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here