Bill Belichick confirmed Billy Edwards will remain UNC’s starting quarterback against Notre Dame. The decision makes sense, but after Edwards’ rough outing at Clemson, the bigger question may be how long his leash will be Saturday.
Bill Belichick put an end to at least one piece of speculation Monday: Billy Edwards Jr. is still North Carolina’s starting quarterback.
Asked during his weekly press conference, "Do you expect to continue with Billy as your starter?", coming out of the open week and heading into Saturday’s matchup with No. 3 Notre Dame, Belichick’s answer was simple: “I do.” Belichick also emphasized that UNC’s passing-game struggles against Clemson weren’t solely on the quarterback, saying the responsibility falls on the entire offense.
On one hand, the decision makes plenty of sense.
Edwards is the veteran. He has played in big games, understands how to manage an offense and already has evidence this season that he can effectively operate Bobby Petrino’s system. Against ETSU, Edwards completed 15 of 20 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. In UNC’s season-opening win over TCU, he threw for 232 yards without an interception.
One rough Saturday shouldn’t necessarily erase everything that came before it.
But there’s no avoiding just how difficult that Saturday at Clemson became.
Edwards finished 13-of-30 passing for 135 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Carolina’s 28-20 loss. His 43.3% completion rate and 4.5 yards per attempt made it difficult for UNC to consistently threaten Clemson through the air, particularly after the Tar Heels built a 17-6 halftime lead. Carolina ran for 214 yards, yet the offense couldn’t capitalize enough through the passing game to put Clemson away.
That’s what makes Belichick’s decision understandable...but also fascinating.
There was certainly an argument for using the open week to make a change. Carolina is about to face one of its toughest opponents of the season, and if the coaching staff believes another quarterback offers more upside or explosiveness, this would have been the natural point on the calendar to make the move.
Instead, Belichick is betting on experience and continuity.
That may be the right call. The more interesting question is what happens if Saturday begins to look like Clemson.
How long is the leash?
Edwards doesn’t necessarily need to throw for 300 yards against Notre Dame. Carolina needs him to distribute the football accurately, avoid catastrophic mistakes, keep the offense on schedule and make enough plays in the passing game that the Fighting Irish can’t simply load up to stop the run.
But if missed throws begin piling up again and UNC’s passing attack stalls, Belichick could face a much more difficult quarterback decision in real time.
For now, Billy Edwards remains QB1.
Against Notre Dame, he may also be playing to make sure there’s no reason to ask the question again.
