Belichick’s First Major College Win

Bill Belichick celebrated a significant milestone in his college coaching career on Saturday. North Carolina edged out No. 25 Pitt with a score of 21-17 during an away game at Acrisure Stadium. This victory marked Belichick’s inaugural win against a ranked team since taking the helm at UNC. It also represented the school’s first win over a ranked opponent since 2023 and their first such road win since they defeated No. 9 Miami back in 2020.

“It was a gutsy performance. We kept battling against a strong football team,” Belichick reflected during ESPN’s postgame coverage. “We just kept hanging in there. A few big plays went our way, but they made some too. They’re a good football team.”

Initially, Belichick’s team trailed 10-0 before launching a comeback in the second quarter. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. connected with tight end Jelani Thurman for a 7-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 10-7.

Later in the third quarter, UNC took its first lead thanks to Demon June’s 1-yard touchdown run, leading 14-10. However, Pitt quickly responded, with running back La’Vell Wright finishing a seven-play, 75-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown, putting Pitt back on top at 17-14.

In a swift reply, Edwards found tight end Shamar Easter for a 75-yard touchdown on the very first play of the next drive, allowing UNC to reclaim the lead at 21-17, a tally that would ultimately hold for the game’s duration.

With this win, North Carolina improved to a 3-2 record, nearing a matching total of wins from the previous season, where they finished 4-8. The team’s next challenge will be against their long-time rival, Duke, as they aim for a second consecutive victory.

Pitt, conversely, dropped to 5-1 and is set to face Boston College in their next matchup.