North Carolina upsets Pitt; first win vs. ranked team since '23
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- North Carolina defeated No. 25 Pittsburgh 21-17, highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown pass from Billy Edwards Jr. to Shamar Easter that gave the Tar Heels the lead in the second half.
- This victory marked North Carolina's first win against a ranked opponent since 2023 and their first ranked road win since 2020, with Edwards completing 18 of 26 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns.
- Pittsburgh's quarterback Holden Geriner made his first collegiate start due to an injury to Mason Heintschel, finishing with 219 yards and two interceptions, but the Panthers were unable to secure a 6-0 start for the first time since 2024.
- The game included a tribute to late Pitt All-American Mike Ditka, honoring his legacy as a player and Hall of Fame coach following his death at age 86.
- North Carolina coach Bill Belichick celebrated his first win against a ranked opponent at North Carolina and reflected on his past successes at Acrisure Stadium as an NFL head coach.
