Invoice Belichick secured his first win in opposition to a Energy 4 opponent throughout North Carolina’s 27-10 victory over Syracuse on Friday. UNC entered this weekend 0-5 in opposition to Energy 4 competitors and was coming off back-to-back devastating losses in ACC play in opposition to Cal and Virginia, the place Belichick’s staff had an opportunity to win the sport within the ultimate moments.
The spotlight of Belichick’s tenure at UNC to this point — and a fruits of his staff exhibiting gradual enchancment all through the course of the season — was on show when the Tar Heels snapped their four-game shedding skid in opposition to the Orange. It was additionally the primary time UNC scored not less than 21 factors in opposition to a Energy 4 staff this season.
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez completed 15 of 19 for 216 yards and two touchdowns. The Tar Heels trailed 10-6 at halftime earlier than scoring 21 unanswered factors within the second half to tug away for good. UNC racked up 425 yards of complete offense and held Syracuse to only 147.
The Belichick period at UNC started with a blowout loss in opposition to TCU earlier than the long-time New England Patriots coach secured his first win on the faculty stage in opposition to Charlotte. UNC misplaced its final two video games in opposition to Cal and Virginia by 4 factors mixed. In opposition to Cal, UNC had an opportunity to take the lead within the ultimate minutes earlier than fumbling on the aim line. Within the sport in opposition to the Virginia, UNC was unable to transform on a 2-point conversion that will’ve given Belichick’s staff a walk-off win.
Regardless of shifting to 3-5 (1-3 ACC), North Carolina and Belichick nonetheless face an uphill climb to grow to be bowl eligible. The Tar Heels face Stanford subsequent at residence and shut out the season with video games in opposition to Wake Forest, Duke and NC State.
North Carolina might want to win not less than three of its 5 4 video games to keep away from lacking a bowl sport for the primary time since 2018.
