Bill Belichick experienced a significant milestone in his coaching career on Saturday. North Carolina secured a 21-17 victory over No. 25 Pittsburgh, an achievement marking Belichick’s first win over a ranked opponent as the head coach of UNC. This win also represented UNC’s first triumph over a ranked team since 2023, and their first road win against a ranked opponent since defeating No. 9 Miami in 2020.
Following the game, Belichick expressed his pride in his team’s resilience. “Gutsy performance. Kept battling against a good football team,” he stated on ESPN’s postgame broadcast. “We just kept hanging in there. We made a couple big plays, and they made a couple too. They’re a good football team.”
The game began with North Carolina behind 10-0, but the team mounted a comeback in the second quarter. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. connected with tight end Jelani Thurman for a 7-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 10-7.
UNC took the lead late in the third quarter. Demon June’s 1-yard touchdown run put them ahead 14-10. However, Pitt quickly responded as La’Vell Wright completed a 75-yard, seven-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, reclaiming a 17-14 lead for Pittsburgh.
Edwards and UNC responded swiftly. On the first play of their next possession, he found tight end Shamar Easter for a 75-yard touchdown pass, securing a 21-17 lead which they maintained for the rest of the game.
With this win, North Carolina improved to a 3-2 record, closing in on last season’s total of four wins. They aim to continue their momentum with an upcoming game against their rival, Duke.
Pittsburgh, now standing at 5-1, will face Boston College in their next game.
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