UNC Stuns No. 25 Pitt as Billy Edwards Jr. Connects on 75 Yard Go Ahead Touchdown

Tar Heels Bill Belichick’s First Win Over a Ranked Opponent

North Carolina delivered one of its biggest victories of the season Saturday, knocking off No. 25 Pittsburgh 21-17 in an ACC showdown after quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. threw a 75-yard touchdown pass in the second half to give the Tar Heels the lead.

Pittsburgh had just taken a 17-14 advantage when North Carolina responded immediately. Edwards found Shamar Easter streaking down the seam for a 75-yard touchdown, putting the Tar Heels back in front and ultimately securing the victory.

The win marked North Carolina coach Bill Belichick’s first victory over a ranked opponent since taking over the program. It was also the Tar Heels’ first win against a ranked team since defeating No. 25 Miami in 2023 and their first ranked road victory since beating No. 9 Miami in 2020.

Edwards Leads North Carolina’s Offensive Attack

Edwards completed 18 of 26 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Easter and Jelani Thurman for scores. He also threw two interceptions but delivered the decisive play when North Carolina needed it most.

Easter’s long touchdown reception proved to be the turning point, immediately answering Pitt’s go-ahead score and shifting the momentum back to the Tar Heels. Running back Demon June added a rushing touchdown for North Carolina, while Jordan Shipp provided a reliable target in the passing game, finishing with six receptions for 93 yards.

The Tar Heels made the most of their opportunities against a Pittsburgh defense that had entered the game with a national ranking, then relied on a late defensive stand to preserve the upset.

Pitt Falls Short in Geriner’s First Collegiate Start

Pittsburgh suffered its first loss of the season despite a strong effort from running back La’Vell Wright, who scored two rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Holden Geriner, a 23-year-old fifth-year senior who transferred from Auburn, made his first collegiate start with sophomore Mason Heintschel sidelined for the remainder of the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee during last week’s victory over Virginia Tech.

Geriner completed 27 of 44 passes for 219 yards but threw two interceptions as the Panthers struggled to finish their comeback attempt. Pittsburgh had opportunities to regain control late in the game. Geriner sailed a fourth down pass intended for a wide open Cataurus Hicks, who could not make the catch.

The Panthers later turned the ball over on downs at the North Carolina 21-yard line, allowing the Tar Heels to hold on for the four point victory. The missed opportunities proved costly for Pitt, which had entered Saturday unbeaten and looking to strengthen its position in the ACC race.

Pitt Honors Mike Ditka and Celebrates 1976 Championship Team

Saturday’s game also featured tributes to Pittsburgh football legend Mike Ditka, who died Friday at age 86. A moment of silence was observed before the national anthem, and the university presented a video tribute after the first television timeout to honor Ditka’s remarkable career as a Pitt All-American, Pro Football Hall of Famer and head coach of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl-winning team.

Ditka was a three-sport standout at Pittsburgh and led the Panthers in receiving as a tight end from 1958 through 1960. He also played defensive end and served as the team’s punter. Pitt retired his No. 89 jersey in 1997. The university also celebrated the 50th anniversary of its 1976 national championship team, recognizing another defining chapter in the program’s history.

The game marked Belichick’s first visit to Acrisure Stadium since the New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-18 on Dec. 7, 2023. Belichick went 8-3 as an NFL head coach at the stadium, including victories in two AFC Championship Games.

Next Football Games for North Carolina and Pitt

North Carolina will look to build on its momentum when the Tar Heels travel to face Duke on Oct. 17. Pittsburgh will attempt to bounce back from its first defeat of the season when the Panthers visit Boston College on Oct. 17.