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North Carolina Football: 3 takeaways from season-opening win over Syracuse

By Andrew Tineo

ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 27: Storm Duck #29 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates with Don Chapman #13 after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Temple Owls in the Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 27, 2019 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 27: Storm Duck #29 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates with Don Chapman #13 after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Temple Owls in the Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 27, 2019 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Syracuse traveled to Chapel Hill to kick off the 2020 season against a tough North Carolina football team and the Tar Heels came away on top.

One of the most talked about teams during the 2020 offseason was the North Carolina Tar Heels. With the way the Tar Heels finished their 2019 season, with a 55-13 Military Bowl win over Temple, there was reason for optimism.

For the Orange, it was a relatively disappointing 5-7 season last year, after winning 10 ballgames in 2018. With COVID-19 impacting the 2020 season for everyone with no spring camp, and a lack for fall camp, there was a chance for sloppy football.

After a slow start from both teams, it was North Carolina that pulled away to a 31-6 win over Syracuse on Saturday. After combining just 13 points in the first half, North Carolina would go on a 24-0 run to finish the game and ensure a win. Although this game was much closer than the score indicates, it builds confidence for the Tar Heels.

Syracuse had some bright spots throughout the game and some excellent play from the Defensive Line and Secondary. However, Syracuse ran out of gas late and Sam Howell and the UNC offense took advantage of it.

Offensively, that was the case for both teams, as it was a struggle to find consistent success in the first half. Neither team could establish a rushing game as both teams combined for just 79 rushing yards.

Neither team could get any rhythm going and that can be demoralizing over the course of a game.

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