Syracuse football snapped its 11-game ACC losing streak Saturday night, rallying for a dramatic 31-30 overtime victory over North Carolina at Kenan Stadium. The Orange improved to 3-4 overall and 1-4 in conference play, while the Tar Heels dropped to 4-3 and 2-2.
Sabres squander early two-goal lead as former teammate Alex Tuch lifts Capitals to overtime victory Steve Angeli connected with Calvin Russell III for a four-yard touchdown in overtime before finding him again for the game-winning two-point conversion.
North Carolina had taken a 30-23 lead on Demon June’s three-yard touchdown reception to open the extra period.
The Tar Heels controlled the early stages, scoring on their first two possessions to build a 10-0 advantage.
Ahmad Miller put Syracuse on the scoreboard with a two-yard touchdown run, but North Carolina eventually extended its lead to 20-10 following June’s 25-yard touchdown run.
Syracuse began its comeback in the fourth quarter when Angeli found Umari Hatcher for a 76-yard touchdown, trimming the deficit to three points.
After North Carolina added a field goal, Tylik Hill scored on a three-yard run with 1:54 remaining. However, Shay Barker missed the extra point, leaving the game tied at 23.
Angeli, making his first start since September 17, completed 20-of-34 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns.
Miller rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries, while Hatcher finished with 103 receiving yards.
North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns.
GAME RECAP LINKS
– Cardiac ‘Cuse Top Carolina in Overtime (cuse.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)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Trap takeover ✅🍊 pic.twitter.com/pqz1A97DIy
— 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.
