Bill Belichick, whose coaching career has been marked by victories in professional football, took a significant step forward in his collegiate career with North Carolina’s 27-10 win over Syracuse on Friday night. The victory, which saw Belichick record his first win against a Power Four program and an ACC opponent, highlighted a turning point for the Tar Heels, who had previously struggled against higher-level competition.
Syracuse’s struggles were evident as they turned to true freshman quarterback Joe Filardi, a walk-on player, to lead the offense. Filardi’s performance was underwhelming, completing just 4 of 18 passes for 39 yards. The Tar Heels’ defense effectively contained the young quarterback, keeping Syracuse in check throughout the game. UNC’s offense, led by quarterback Gio Lopez, showcased a more balanced approach, with Lopez completing 15 of 19 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Lopez’s performance helped the Tar Heels overcome their earlier challenges in scoring against FBS teams.
Running back Demon June added to the offensive success with 101 rushing yards and 81 receiving yards, including a touchdown on both occasions. His dual-threat ability provided additional momentum for North Carolina, contributing to the decisive victory. The win marked a significant moment for Belichick, who has since expressed optimism for the rest of the ACC season. “Feels good. Feels great,” Belichick said after the game. “We had a couple of opportunities the last couple of weeks that we couldn’t capitalize on. It was good to get this one.” He also acknowledged the importance of facing tougher competition at the right time, adding that the previous match against Clemson was an even greater challenge.
Looking ahead, North Carolina will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next game against Stanford (3-5) next Saturday. Meanwhile, Syracuse, currently on a losing streak, will look to bounce back against Miami in an attempt to turn their season around. The performance of the Tar Heels and the Orange has once again demonstrated the competitive nature of college football, with each game carrying significant implications for the teams involved.