With the current COVID-19 restrictions and fans unable to be in attendance at any University of North Carolina (UNC) athletic events, it was hard to tell how the team would be ready to face off against Syracuse on Saturday. Despite an empty Kenan Stadium, the Tar Heels put in serious work and defeated the Orange 31-6.
During the first quarter, UNC only managed to put up 7 points, coming off an 11 yard TD pass from Sam Howell to Garrett Walston. The second quarter was a goose egg for the Tar Heels. However, the Orange were unable to capitalize on UNC’s lack of offensive production and only managed to tally a field goal.
The third quarter brought field goals for both teams. Some would have thought Syracuse had time to come back, but UNC let loose during the fourth quarter putting up a whopping 21 points, all coming on the legs of running back Javonte Williams. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels D kept the Orange out of the end zone altogether.
Williams wasn’t the only Tar Heel running back to contribute big to the season’s first victory. Michael Carter (8) put up 138 offensive yards for the team. Howell shined, completing 25 of 34 passes for 295 yards, adding the 1st score as his lone TD pass.
Overall, UNC had 463 yards of total offense, while Syracuse only accounted for 202 yards. To put things into perspective though, out of the Orange’s 14 total offensive possessions, only 3 of them accounted for more than 10 yards.
UNC currently sits 18th in the polls, and it will be interesting to see if that changes this upcoming week after such a dominating victory. It’s clear that the Tar Heels have adjusted well to the current restrictions and are off to a great start to the season as head coach Mack Brown continues building the program.
North Carolina will host Charlotte on September 19, at 3:30 PM. Syracuse falls to 0-1 and will head to Pittsburgh on September 19 at 12:00 PM.
(Image Credit: ACC Athletics Communications)
