North Carolina’s promising start to the season came to a jarring halt on Saturday as the Tar Heels fell to ACC rival Syracuse, 31-30, in overtime. The loss snaps a two-game winning streak that included signature victories over Pitt and Duke, ending a period where Bill Belichick’s squad appeared to be gaining momentum. Despite entering the contest as 8.5-point favorites, UNC could not protect a 20-10 third-quarter lead, allowing the Orange to mount a relentless comeback that ultimately decided the game in extra time.
Tar Heels squander late lead as Orange seal win with dramatic two-point conversion
The decisive moment arrived in the opening possession of overtime, where Syracuse executed a high-risk, all-or-nothing two-point try to secure the victory. The play contrasted sharply with UNC’s own performance in the same period, as the Tar Heels had scored seven points on their opening drive of the first overtime. This strategic gamble by Syracuse proved to be the difference, capping a gritty defensive effort that erased the deficit and delivered a crucial conference win for the Orange.
The defeat drops North Carolina to 4-3 on the year, a mark that remains competitive but highlights the volatility of Belichick’s first season with the program, which concluded with a 4-8 record last year. The Tar Heels now face a daunting schedule, hosting No. 1 Miami next Saturday before traveling to UConn and Louisville, and facing home games against Virginia and NC State. With the ACC gauntlet ahead, this loss serves as a critical test of resilience for a team aiming to improve upon last season’s finish.
Source: Yahoo Sports
