Bill Belichick notches first Power Four win of college career in win over Syracuse

Former New England Patriots running back Damien Harris, who now serves as a college football analyst, told Fox News Digital that Bill Belichick's struggles in his UNC debut doesn't surprise him for multiple reasons.

Bill Belichick has finally won a game against a Power Four school. 

North Carolina beat Syracuse 27-10 on Friday night at the JMA Wireless Dome. It was also Belichick’s first career win against an ACC opponent.

UNC was fortunate, as Syracuse started walk-on 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 Oct. 31, 2025. (Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Orange have battled quarterback injuries this season. Steve Angeli, the team’s initial 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.

The North Carolina defense held Filardi in check. The true freshman struggled, finishing the game completing just 4 of 18 passes for 39 yards. 

The Tar Heels had not scored more than 20 points against an FBS team this season until Friday. Quarterback Gio Lopez completed 15 of 19 passing 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