CHAPEL HILL — C.J. Sadler went from starting at wide receiver for North Carolina to not playing an offensive snap Saturday against Syracuse, a change Coach Bill Belichick attributed to Nyqir “Boomer” Helton’s improved practice performance.

CHAPEL HILL — Bill Belichick said the ACC didn’t have the needed replay views to overrule the on-field call on Syracuse’s game-winning two-point conversion in overtime.

It was déjà vu all over again for UNC: jumping out to a double-digit first-half lead, then the offense doing its Homer Simpson disappearing-into-the-bushes impression while the defense slowly wilted in the second half. Mistakes, missed tackles, and missed opportunities to build the lead and stop the opponent’s onslaught.

North Carolina has gone from missing the postseason in Bill Belichick’s first season to a likely bowl team, with several projections for a December trip to Charlotte and a potential matchup with Penn State. The Tar Heels (4–2, 2–1 ACC) are two victories away from bowl eligibility after consecutive road wins over then-No. 25 Pittsburgh and rival Duke. Their 24–20 comeback victory at Duke last Saturday returned the Victory Bell to Chapel Hill and strengthened their postseason outlook, with media outlets projecting UNC to go bowling in Charlotte, The Bronx or Annapolis, Md.

Eight Carolina players are ruled out for Saturday’s home game against Syracuse, with six more questionable, but the Orange head into the game with quarterback injury issues.

CHAPEL HILL — Some have described the last two gritty Carolina road victories as “Belichickian.” The term entered the pro football vernacular during Bill Belichick’s 24-year tenure as the New England Patriots coach because of his reputation for pushing the boundaries while technically following the rules. Just don’t ask him what it means.

The Victory Bell is back in Chapel Hill, and UNC is inviting fans to watch it get a fresh coat of Carolina blue for the first time since 2022.

DURHAM — Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. turned in his best Pro Football Focus offensive grade game of the season in North Carolina’s 24–20 win Saturday at Duke while safety Greg Smith has the team’s highest grade.

While stopping Duke running back Nate Sheppard will be Carolina’s top goal, pressuring quarterback Walker Eget and winning the battle at top-flight tight ends will also matter.

CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina faces a two-part challenge Saturday against Duke: contain one of the nation’s most productive playmakers and find a way to get its running game going against the Blue Devils’ stout defense. Duke’s Nate Sheppard has been difficult for every opponent to stop, while the Blue Devils rank No. 10 nationally in run defense. The Tar Heels must solve both problems to have a chance to control the game on the ground.

PITTSBURGH — On the strength of tight end Shamar Easter’s 75-yard game-winning touchdown reception, he finished with a team-high 92.1 Pro Football Focus offensive grade for his nine snaps in a challenging game for UNC’s defense that was on the field for 86 snaps.