Bill Belichick’s Significant Win with UNC Against Ranked Pitt

Bill Belichick secured a significant victory in his coaching career on Saturday. North Carolina triumphed over No. 25 Pitt, winning 21-17 at Acrisure Stadium. This win marked Belichick’s first triumph over a ranked opponent since becoming UNC’s head coach. It was also a milestone for UNC, being their first win over a ranked team since they defeated No. 25 Miami in 2023, and their first road victory over a ranked team since beating No. 9 Miami in 2020.

Belichick praised his team’s resilience during the postgame broadcast on ESPN. He highlighted their persistence against a strong opponent. “Gutsy performance. Kept battling against a good football team,” Belichick noted. “We just kept hanging in there. We made a couple big plays, and they made a couple too. They’re a good football team.”

During the game, UNC initially trailed 10-0 but managed a comeback in the second quarter. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. connected with tight end Jelani Thurman for a 7-yard touchdown, narrowing the score to 10-7.

In the third quarter, UNC took the lead with Demon June’s 1-yard touchdown run, advancing to a 14-10 lead. However, Pitt quickly responded. Running back La’Vell Wright completed a drive with a 1-yard touchdown, pushing Pitt back ahead at 17-14.

Edwards reacted swiftly, finding Shamar Easter for a 75-yard touchdown on the following play. This impressive drive secured a 21-17 lead for UNC, which they maintained for the rest of the game.

With the win, North Carolina’s record improved to 3-2. They are now one victory away from matching their total wins of the previous season, where they concluded with a 4-8 record. Looking ahead, UNC prepares to face archrival Duke next.

Pitt’s record fell to 5-1, and they aim to recover with a game against Boston College next week.