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Bill Belichick has finally won a game against a Power Four school.
North Carolina beat Syracuse 27-10 Friday night at the JMA Wireless Dome. It was also Belichick’s first career win against an ACC opponent.
UNC got lucky when Syracuse started by going to Joe Filardi, a true freshman, at quarterback.
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North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick addresses his players during the first half of a college football game against Syracuse at the JMA Wireless Dome. The game took place in Syracuse, New York on October 31, 2025. (Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Orange has struggled with quarterback injuries this season. Steve Angeli, the team’s first starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury against Clemson after leading them to a 3–1 start. The team then turned to LSU transfer Rickie Collins, with whom the team went 0-4, prompting Orange head coach Fran Brown Jr. to start Filardi.
The North Carolina defense kept Filardi in check. The true freshman struggled and finished the game completing just 4 of 18 passes for 39 yards.
The Tar Heels hadn’t scored more than 20 points against an FBS team this season before Friday. Quarterback Gio Lopez completed 15 of 19 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns.
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North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse. The game took place in Syracuse, New York on October 31, 2025. (Adrian Kraus/AP Photo)
Running back Demon June had 101 yards on the ground and 81 yards on two receptions, with both a rushing and receiving touchdown.
North Carolina’s previous two wins were against 1-7 Charlotte and Richmond, which plays in the Patriot League.
“Feels good. Feels great,” Belichick said after the game. “We had a couple of opportunities the last few weeks that we couldn’t capitalize on. It was good to get this one. So we’re looking forward to all the rest of the games in the ACC.”
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field after an NCAA college football game against Syracuse. The game took place in Syracuse, New York on October 31, 2025. (Adrian Kraus/AP Photo)
“We all know in football it’s not who you play, it’s when you play them. We were probably fortunate to get them (now) as opposed to the week they played Clemson.”
North Carolina will look to capitalize on the win when they host Stanford (3-5) next Saturday.
Syracuse, who have lost five in a row, will look to turn things around when they host Miami on Saturday.
