CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday, marking the end of the NFL’s preseason. The Panthers, who were shut out by the Jaguars 26-0 two years ago during Bryce Young’s rookie year, have not won a season opener since 2021. However, with new acquisitions supporting the third-year quarterback, there is a sense of optimism for the upcoming game. Coach Canales emphasized the importance of pushing the tempo and practicing at game speed as the team prepares for the 1:00 p.m. kickoff at EverBank Stadium.
In college football, UNC will conclude the first week of college football with a Monday night game in Chapel Hill. South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez will start as quarterback for Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels. Lopez, who spent two years in Mobile, passed for over 2,000 yards with 22 touchdowns. Coach Belichick expressed full confidence in Lopez’s abilities. The game against TCU is set to kick off at 8:00 p.m. inside Kenan Memorial Stadium.
In NASCAR, Chase Briscoe clinched his second Cup Series victory of the season by winning the Southern 500 in Darlington, echoing his success from last year.
At the U.S. Open, former Greenville resident Tommy Paul delivered an impressive performance, saving set number two in the third round against Alexander Bublik. Despite his efforts, Paul was eliminated after a grueling five-set match.
In minor league baseball, Danny Thompson, a former New Bern and UNCG pitcher, achieved a career-high with six strikeouts over two innings for the Dunedin Blue Jays in a 6-0 victory against Fort Myers. Thompson boasts a 0.77 ERA in nine games this season.
The Down East Bird Dawgs concluded their inaugural season with a 7-6 win over the Washington Wild Things. Former ECU Pirate Danny Beal secured his fifth win of the season, pitching five innings to close out the year in Kinston.