In a thrilling matchup on Friday night, the North Carolina Tar Heels secured a decisive 27-10 victory against the Syracuse Orange, marking a significant milestone for their head coach, Bill Belichick. This win was not only his first in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) but also his first against a power-conference opponent this season. The Tar Heels showcased a remarkable second-half performance, demonstrating their growth after a challenging start to the season.
Freshman running back Demon June emerged as a standout player, scoring two touchdowns during the pivotal third quarter. This victory allowed the Tar Heels to break a frustrating four-game losing streak against a Syracuse team that struggled, notably starting a freshman walk-on at quarterback. Belichick, renowned for his successful tenure with the New England Patriots, emphasized the importance of conditioning and resilience, stating, “The guys just keep grinding... We were able to take over in the fourth quarter.”
Despite trailing 10-6 at halftime, the Tar Heels dominated the first half statistically, outgaining the Orange 208-71. June made a significant impact on the game, scoring on a 73-yard screen pass on North Carolina's first play of the second half, marking the first time this season that UNC led in the second half against a power-conference opponent.
June later added another touchdown with a five-yard run late in the third quarter, capping off a 12-play, 80-yard drive that showcased North Carolina's ability to effectively run the ball against Syracuse's underperforming defense. Overall, June finished the game with an impressive 101 yards rushing and 81 yards receiving.
The North Carolina defense also played a crucial role in the victory, allowing only three points in the second half and recording three sacks. Defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude was instrumental in forcing a fumble from Syracuse quarterback Joe Filardi, which was recovered by UNC’s Smith Vilbert. This turnover set the stage for another touchdown, a 21-yard pass from quarterback Gio Lopez to receiver Jordan Shipp in the early fourth quarter.
While the Tar Heels showed marked improvement in their offensive execution, they faced challenges, particularly in the red zone. North Carolina’s struggles near the end zone have been a recurring issue throughout the season. They settled for a 24-yard field goal after failing to convert on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Additionally, a costly fumble by receiver Shamar Easter was returned for a touchdown by Syracuse’s Anwar Sparrow, giving the Orange a temporary lead.
With this victory, the Tar Heels improved to 3-5 overall and 1-3 in the ACC. They are now looking to build on this momentum, as they do not leave North Carolina for their final four regular-season games. Upcoming matchups include hosting Stanford and facing Wake Forest, Duke, and NC State. To achieve bowl eligibility in Belichick's inaugural season, the Tar Heels will need to secure three more victories.
This latest win not only boosts the morale of the Tar Heels but also sets the stage for what could be a strong finish to the season under the guidance of legendary coach Bill Belichick.
