Belichick brings North Carolina to ranked Pitt on Saturday

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 10 Oct, 14:55 · Archive

No. 25 Pittsburgh faces North Carolina and coach Bill Belichick at noon on Saturday, with Pitt a 3.5-point favourite.

No. 25 Pittsburgh hosts North Carolina and coach Bill Belichick on Saturday at noon ET on ESPN. Pitt (5-0, 2-0 ACC) is ranked for the first time this season and favoured by 3.5 points on its home turf. The Tar Heels (2-2, 0-1 ACC) are winless in conference play and have lost their past two games to Clemson and Notre Dame in recent weeks.

Pitt will play without quarterback Mason Heintschel, who tore his ACL in his right knee against Virginia Tech last week. Backup Holden Geriner will start after coming off the bench to throw for 78 yards and a touchdown in that 35-33 win. Running backs Ja'Kyrian Turner and Damon Ferguson Jr. are expected to play a significant role in the absence of Heintschel.

Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, is now coaching the Tar Heels after taking over ahead of the 2025 campaign. Pitt players expressed respect for his resume. Defensive end Isaiah Neal said that Belichick's presence as a coach creates an expectation of 'A-game' execution from North Carolina. Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi noted that while the ACC features other successful coaches, Belichick brings a unique pedigree from building New England into a dynasty.

How it is being reported

• How to watch #25 Pittsburgh vs. North Carolina football today on free streams, TVThe 25th-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers claim a national ranking for the first time this season, in time for a Saturday noon start against Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels.PennLive · 10 Oct, 14:39
• Pitt players respect Bill Belichick’s resume but remain focused on beating North CarolinaWhen North Carolina arrives at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, coach Bill Belichick’s reputation will precede him.TribLIVE · 9 Oct, 17:21
• First Call: Ex-Steeler says it looked like Patrick Queen ‘gave up’ vs. Browns; odds, injury updates in AFC NorthFormer Pittsburgh Steeler Chris Hoke is calling out Patrick Queen. Injuries and travel may play a role in the AFC North on Sunday. Bill Belichick is back at Acrisure Stadium to coach against Pitt. And the Penguins are going back-to-back this weekend.TribLIVE · 9 Oct, 11:01

In this story: Pittsburgh · North Carolina · Bill Belichick · Mason Heintschel · Holden Geriner · Ja'Kyrian Turner · Damon Ferguson Jr. · Pat Narduzzi

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