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Orange Triumph: Overtime Thriller Snaps ACC Losing Streak
25 Oct
Summary
- Syracuse ended an 11-game conference losing streak with an overtime win.
- Coach Fran Brown's gamble on a two-point conversion secured the victory.
- Calvin Russell scored the decisive touchdown and two-point conversion.
Syracuse has achieved its first ACC victory of the 2026 season, narrowly defeating North Carolina 31-30 in an overtime thriller. This crucial win snapped an 11-game conference losing streak, preventing the team from tying a historic record.
Head coach Fran Brown made a pivotal decision to go for a two-point conversion in overtime, which quarterback Steve Angeli successfully converted to Calvin Russell. This gamble paid off, securing the win after North Carolina had scored on their opening overtime possession.
The Orange showed resilience, overcoming a 20-10 deficit late in the second half with a strong fourth-quarter performance. Despite a missed extra point in regulation that could have secured the win earlier, the offense ultimately delivered.
Quarterback Steve Angeli, returning to the starting role, delivered a competent performance with 256 yards and two touchdowns, importantly committing no turnovers. Calvin Russell was a standout player, catching eight passes for 86 yards and the game-winning score, especially impressive given his recent recovery from an Achilles injury.
