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Bill Belichick finally won a game against a Power Four school.
North Carolina defeated Syracuse 27-10 Friday night at the JMA Wireless Dome. It was also Belichick’s first career victory against an ACC opponent.
UNC was fortunate, as Syracuse began replacing Joe Filardi, a true freshman, at quarterback.
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North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick speaks to 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 have struggled with quarterback injuries this season. Steve Angeli, the team’s 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.
North Carolina’s defense held Filardi in check. The true freshman struggled, finishing 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 until 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 rushing yards and 81 yards on two receptions, with one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown.
North Carolina’s previous two wins were against Charlotte and Richmond, who play in the Patriot League, 1-7.
“It feels good. It feels good,” Belichick said after the game. “We had a few opportunities the last few weeks that we weren’t able to capitalize on. It was good to get that one. So we’re looking forward to all the other ACC games.”
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick leaves 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 lucky to have them (now), unlike the week they played Clemson.”
North Carolina will look to build on its victory when it faces Stanford (3-5) next Saturday.
Syracuse, losing five in a row, will look to turn things around when it faces Miami on Saturday.
