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Five takeaways from UNC's road football upset of Pitt on Saturday

North Carolina’s football team staged a dramatic late-game comeback to defeat Pitt 21–17 on Saturday, ending the Panthers’ undefeated season in a road upset. The Tar Heels struggled early, with Pitt’s backup quarterback, Holden Geriner, managing the game’s first half while UNC’s offense managed just 20 rushing yards.

However, UNC’s defense tightened up in the second half, forcing turnovers and pressuring Geriner with sacks from Donovan Hoilette, Xavier Lewis, and Timir Hickman-Collins. A standout performance from quarterback Billy Edwards—who completed 18 of 26 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard bomb to Shamar Easter—sealed the victory.

The Tar Heels also benefited from strong defensive play in the secondary, with Michigan State transfer Ade Willie stepping in for injured starter Kaleb Cost and making key plays on the ball. Pitt’s early momentum faded as UNC’s defense stifled Geriner late, culminating in four straight incompletions on the Panthers’ final drive.

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