Pittsburgh, PA — North Carolina delivered a statement victory Saturday, using a spectacular 75-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and Shamar Easter to defeat No. 25 Pittsburgh 21-17 at Acrisure Stadium.
The decisive play came just after Pitt moved in front 17-14 in the second half. Rather than allowing the Panthers to build momentum, Edwards found Easter streaking down the middle of the field for a long touchdown that put the Tar Heels ahead for good.
The victory marked North Carolina’s first win over a ranked opponent since defeating No. 25 Miami in 2023. It also represented the program’s first road victory against a ranked team since beating ninth-ranked Miami in 2020.
For head coach Bill Belichick, the result carried additional significance: it was his first victory over a ranked opponent since taking over the Tar Heels.
“Every play is designed to be an 80-yard touchdown,” Edwards said. “They obviously don’t all go that way, but it felt really nice to see Shamar catch and run with that.”
Belichick praised his team’s performance after North Carolina improved to 3-2.
“It’s great to come in here and win,” Belichick said. “Really proud of our team. We made some great plays and it was just an all-around solid team effort.”
Edwards Delivers When It Matters
Edwards finished with 249 passing yards, completing 18 of 26 attempts. He threw touchdown passes to Easter and Jelani Thurman but also had two interceptions.
Easter’s long scoring reception proved to be the defining moment of the afternoon, turning a three-point deficit into a four-point North Carolina advantage. The Tar Heels then relied on their defense to protect the lead as Pitt searched for another scoring opportunity.
Demon June added a rushing touchdown for North Carolina, while Jordan Shipp provided a dependable target in the passing game, finishing with six catches for 93 yards.
The Tar Heels combined timely offensive production with a critical late defensive stand to leave Pittsburgh with an important road win.
Pitt’s Quarterback Change Creates a Challenge
Pittsburgh entered the contest undefeated at 5-0 and looking to open a season 6-0 for the first time since 2024. Instead, the Panthers suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
Much of the attention centered on Holden Geriner, who made his first collegiate start after sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Pitt’s victory over Virginia Tech the previous week.
The fifth-year senior transfer from Auburn completed 27 of 44 passes for 219 yards but threw two interceptions. Although Geriner showed flashes of promise, the Panthers struggled to produce the necessary plays late in the game.
Head coach Pat Narduzzi expressed confidence that his new starter would improve with experience.
“Obviously, his first start … he will get better and better just from the experiences,” Narduzzi said. “Got a lot of faith and trust in him. I was happy with the way he played in his first start.”
Pitt had opportunities to change the outcome. On a fourth-down attempt, Geriner’s pass sailed beyond a wide-open Cataurus Hicks. The Panthers later reached the North Carolina 21-yard line but turned the ball over on downs, allowing the Tar Heels to hold on for the victory.
La’Vell Wright scored both of Pitt’s rushing touchdowns, but the Panthers could not overcome the critical mistakes in the closing stages.
Despite the setback, Narduzzi insisted his team’s larger objectives remained attainable.
“It’s one game,” Narduzzi said. “Whoever plays in that championship game is going to have a loss. All of our goals are right in front of us.”
A Return to Familiar Territory for Belichick
The game also marked Belichick’s first appearance at 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. His return brought back memories from his years coaching in the NFL, though Saturday’s outcome added another victory to his record at the venue.
“A lot of memories from being back here, mostly good, but we got waxed a couple times,” Belichick said. “It was great to come in here and win, but most importantly I’m proud for the players and the way they played.”
Pitt Honors a Football Legend
Saturday’s game also featured a tribute to Mike Ditka, the former Pitt All-American and Pro Football Hall of Famer who died Friday at age 86.
A moment of silence was observed before the national anthem, followed by a video tribute after the first television timeout.
Ditka starred in three sports at Pitt and led the Panthers in receiving as a tight end from 1958 through 1960. He also played defensive end and served as a punter during his college career. His No. 89 jersey was retired by the university in 1997.
Ditka went on to establish a legendary professional football career and later coached the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl championship.
While Pitt’s afternoon ended in disappointment, the tribute served as a reminder of the program’s proud football tradition.
For North Carolina, the focus was on a significant road triumph. Edwards and Easter supplied the game-changing moment, and the Tar Heels’ defense finished the job, handing the Panthers their first loss of the season.
