Syracuse football ended its 11-game ACC losing streak Saturday night, overcoming a double-digit deficit to defeat North Carolina 31-30 in overtime at Kenan Stadium. The Orange improved to 3-4 overall and 1-4 in conference play, while the Tar Heels fell to 4-3 and 2-2.
Sabres squander early two-goal lead as former teammate Alex Tuch lifts Capitals to overtime victory Steve Angeli delivered the decisive plays in overtime, connecting with Calvin Russell III on a four-yard touchdown pass before finding him again for the game-winning two-point conversion.
North Carolina had struck first in overtime when Demon June caught a three-yard touchdown pass, giving the Tar Heels a 30-23 advantage.
The Tar Heels started quickly, scoring on their opening two possessions to establish a 10-0 lead.
Ahmad Miller answered with a two-yard touchdown run for Syracuse, but North Carolina stretched its advantage to 20-10 after June broke free for a 25-yard touchdown run.
The Orange mounted their comeback in the fourth quarter, beginning with Angeli’s 76-yard touchdown pass to Umari Hatcher that cut the deficit to 20-17.
North Carolina responded with a field goal before Tylik Hill scored on a three-yard run with 1:54 remaining. Shay Barker missed the ensuing extra point, keeping the score tied at 23 and eventually forcing overtime.
Angeli, making his first start since September 17, completed 20-of-34 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns.
Miller led Syracuse’s rushing attack with 125 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries, while Hatcher recorded 103 receiving yards.
North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards finished with 271 passing yards and two touchdowns.
GAME RECAP LINKS
– Cardiac ‘Cuse Top Carolina in Overtime (cuse.com)
– Syracuse football: Orange snap ACC losing streak with OT win over UNC (nunesmagician.com)
– Syracuse snaps 11-game ACC losing streak with 31-30 overtime win over UNC (dailyorange.com)
– Syracuse football grinds out gutsy win over UNC in overtime to snap ACC losing streak (syracuse.com)
FRAN BROWN’S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Breakout performance 🎯@14gump_ pic.twitter.com/886AVgHMCd
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) October 25, 2026
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
