Making his first career start in place of an injured Mason Heintschel, Pitt's fifth-year senior quarterback Holden Geriner kept the Panthers ahead until late in the third quarter. The Tar Heels then took over as quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. compiled 249 passing yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by an explosive 75-yard touchdown strike to tight end Shamar Easter early in the fourth quarter. Facing a final fourth-and-short situation, the North Carolina defense stood firm to stop the Panthers and seal the 21-17 victory.
