North Carolina football opened their season with a narrow win over Minnesota on Thursday. But after the game, head coach Mack Brown's excitement almost cost Minnesota's PJ Fleck a nasty head bruise.

The Tar Heels came away with a 19-17 victory. As both coaches embraced, Brown nearly caught Fleck with a headbutt, via Fox College Football. Fleck's reaction paints the entire picture of their up close postgame moment.

Brown's exuberance was in part due to how exactly North Carolina football won the game. Minnesota set themselves up for a game-winning 47-yard field goal with just two seconds left. However, it missed wide right as the Tar Heels held on.

Related North Carolina Football NewsArticle continues below
Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) scores on a 1-yard touchdown run against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
USC could rebound from 5-star decommitment with No. 1 TE
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart shown during the Georgia Spring game at Sanford Stadium.
Georgia football’s Kirby Smart calls out Congress over NIL
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) points for a first down after a catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
New Ohio bill aims to prevent noon games for Buckeyes

With Drake Maye now a member of the New England Patriots, North Carolina's first order of business was finding their new quarterback. Max Johnson earned the start, but his numbers weren't the prettiest against the Gophers. His 12 completions on 19 passes resulted in 71 scoreless yards and an interception.

Instead, Brown and company decided to employ a much more run heavy approach. Omarion Hampton, considered one of North Carolina's best returning players in 2024, rushed 30 times for 129 scoreless yards. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry and had a long 16 yard run.

No other running back had more than one carry. In fact, Johnson was the team's second-leading rusher with 10 yards on six carries. Wherever the Tar Heels go from here, it's clear Hampton will be a major focal point of the team's offense.

In their next matchup, North Carolina football will take on Charlotte at home. The Tar Heels will hope to keep up their winning ways and move to 2-0 on the season. While Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi will be looking to end that undefeated run, he'll also hope he doesn't face a Mack Brown headbutt after the game.