UNC linebacker highlights late defensive struggles in loss to Syracuse

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UNC linebacker highlights late defensive struggles in loss to Syracuse

UNC starter earns weekly ACC honors after career game vs. Syracuse

Aidan Jensen, Tar Heels Wire · Tar Heels Wire

Sun, Oct 25, 2026 ·

2 min read

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It's only a matter of time before late-game magic runs out. The UNC football team beat Pitt and Duke via fourth quarter comebacks and defensive stands. On Saturday night vs. Syracuse, North Carolina drove to the edge of field goal range with time winding down in regulation, carrying magic and momentum on its side.

That good luck quickly ran out in overtime. Syracuse converted a third-and-11, scored on fourth and goal and added the game-winning 2-point conversion, upsetting the Tar Heels 31-30 in front of a packed house.

After UNC's (4-3, 2-2 ACC) latest disappointing defeat, starting linebacker Derek McDonald highlighted his team's ability to force those late-down situations, then discussed how the Orange (3-4, 1-4 ACC) made those crucial conversions.

"I thought we did a good job on getting them to third down," McDonald said. "We had good pressure on him (Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli), had it back there. He was moving around a lot, but made plays on third down. Fourth down, we just needed a stop. We just have to get better."

Syracuse converted eight third downs and four fourth downs on Saturday night, none more important than their two in overtime. On the Orange's game-tying, fourth quarter drive, they converted two third downs via a rushing attack that totaled 199 yards.

McDonald transferred in from Syracuse during the offseason, giving North Carolina much-needed reinforcements as a defensive leader. The fifth-year led all players with 16 tackles on Saturday night, his fifth-game in double-figures this fall, setting a career-high against his former team.

McDonald and his Tar Heel teammates face their toughest test on Halloween night, hosting top-ranked Miami under the Kenan Stadium lights again. Will UNC get off the field and give its offense a chance?

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarter back Billy Edwards Jr. (9) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) runs the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils saftey Patrick Smith-Young (2) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarter back Billy Edwards Jr. (9) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) celebrates against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Shamar Easter (84) runs the ball during the third quarter against he Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Shamar Easter (84) runs the ball during the third quarter against Duke Blue Devils linebacker Bradley Gompers (24) and Duke Blue Devils saftey Patrick Smith-Young (2) at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the fourth quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) scores a touchdown against Duke Blue Devils saftey Che Ojarikre (9) during the fourth quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; A North Carolina Tar Heels helmet at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC linebacker highlights late defensive struggles in loss to Syracuse

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