North Carolina Leads Syracuse 13-7 at Halftime

The Tar Heels hold a narrow lead over Syracuse after a competitive first half in Chapel Hill.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing a dynamic football player in motion, painted in North Carolina blue and Syracuse orange. — The University of North Carolina football team maintains a 13-7 halftime lead over Syracuse following a competitive opening half in Chapel Hill. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The University of North Carolina football team leads Syracuse 13-7 at the halftime break in Chapel Hill. North Carolina opened with a 7-0 advantage after a touchdown pass from Billy Edwards Jr. to Jordan Shipp.

Why it matters

The matchup is critical for Syracuse, which is currently navigating an 11-game losing streak against ACC opponents. Both teams are looking to secure a victory to improve their standing within the conference hierarchy.

North Carolina leads 13-7 at halftime following a 27-yard field goal and a second field goal with 2:40 remaining in the half. Syracuse struggled to overcome a 7-0 early deficit despite converting two 4th & 1 situations during a scoring drive.

The players

Steve Angeli

He is the starting quarterback for the Syracuse football team.

Billy Edwards Jr.

He is the quarterback for the University of North Carolina football program.

Jordan Shipp

He is a wide receiver for the University of North Carolina who caught the opening touchdown pass.

Tyshawn Russell

He is a receiver for Syracuse who caught a touchdown pass from Steve Angeli.

Ahmad Miller

He is a player for Syracuse who recorded a one-yard rushing touchdown.

The details

Syracuse responded to the early deficit with a touchdown drive that included a one-yard rushing score by Ahmad Miller and a two-yard touchdown pass from Steve Angeli to Tyshawn Russell. North Carolina maintained its momentum by gaining 60 yards on its second scoring drive to set up the late field goal.

October 25, 2026
2:40 remaining in the first half

Season Trajectory

This game is a pivotal moment for Syracuse as they attempt to end an 11-game losing streak against ACC opponents. A win in Chapel Hill would significantly alter the team's momentum and standing within the conference for the remainder of the season.

Syracuse must maintain its success on 4th down conversions to keep pace with the North Carolina offense in the second half. The current score keeps the game well within reach for both sides heading into the final two quarters of play.

The takeaway

Maintaining discipline on short-yardage downs will be essential for Syracuse if they hope to snap their conference losing streak. Both teams must capitalize on red-zone opportunities in the second half to secure a win.