The untimely penalties still occurred. The Orange's kicking woes continued. The deck was likely stacked against the 'Cuse on Saturday evening, given that SU was on the road against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., and Syracuse football's ability to win close games hasn't been good in the 2026 season to date.
Sure, the Orange beat UConn on the road in overtime. Yet Syracuse football had also lost by three points to Cal at home, by three points at Virginia, and by eight points to Louisville at home. Making matters worse, the 'Cuse hadn't captured an Atlantic Coast Conference conquest since September 2025, when SU knocked off Clemson in Death Valley.
Steve Angeli is a classy young man. Loves Syracuse. Credits his OL and coaching staff. Praises Calvin Russell. We will have to see what this means for the season, but really happy for these kids and coaches. 🧡
— InsideTheLoudHouse (@LoudHouseFS) October 25, 2026
None of that matters anymore, thankfully. At Kenan Stadium on Saturday night, Syracuse football managed a thrilling one-point overtime victory over the Tar Heels, 31-30, thanks to a gusty performance from fifth-year quarterback Steve Angeli, terrific games from various skill players, an offensive line that fared well and a defense that hung in there to keep the Orange in the game.
Syracuse football (3-4 overall, 1-4 in ACC) improved to 4-5 against UNC in their all-time series. The 'Cuse also snapped a three-game losing streak to the Tar Heels (4-3 overall, 2-2 in ACC). The Orange will host No. 23 SMU on Saturday, Oct. 31, beginning at noon EST and with television coverage on ESPN2.
Despite some hiccups, Syracuse football conquered Bill Belichick-led North Carolina on the road.
The Orange's triumph starts with Angeli, who had missed the previous three games due to the lingering effects of tearing his Achilles tendon in the win at Clemson in September of last year. On Saturday, he went 20-of-34 for 256 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
He threw a 76-yard score to sixth-year wide receiver Umari Hatcher, who has put forth one of the best 2026 seasons to date for a receiver in college football. In overtime, with the 'Cuse trailing UNC, 30-23, and needing a touchdown to stay in the game, Angeli hit five-star freshman wide receiver Calvin Russell III with a touchdown pass on 4th down.
Head coach Fran Brown elected for a two-point conversion attempt, and Angeli hit Russell again for the deciding points. I understand why Brown went for two; freshman kicker Shay Barker had missed a PAT that would have put Syracuse football ahead, 24-23, in the fourth quarter. Clearly, SU coaches don't have much confidence in the squad's kicking game, and I understand that sentiment.
With the victory, the Orange halted an 11-contest losing streak in conference clashes. Let's give credit to the 'Cuse offensive line. Angeli was only sacked once, and Syracuse football generated 199 rushing yards. Senior running back Ahmad Miller rushed 30 times for 125 yards and a score on the ground.
Yes, the Orange committed seven penalties for 65 yards, although both numbers were below its season average. The 'Cuse went 8-of-19 on third downs, 4-of-7 on fourth downs and 4-of-4 on red-zone scoring opportunities.
On the defensive side, senior linebacker Zyian Moultrie-Goddard had two solo tackles, eight total tackles and one pass breakup. Senior linebacker Chris D'Appolonia registered two solo tackles, eight total tackles and a massive sack that led to a 14-yard loss for North Carolina.
Senior defensive back Chris Peal had seven total tackles, while sophomore linebacker Antoine Deslauriers added six total tackles. Both senior defensive back Nazir Ward and sophomore defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr. chipped in five total tackles and one pass breakup.
Add us as a preferred source on Google