As Ravian Pierce emerged from the back of the end zone to deafening Carrier Dome roars, it signaled many things: an incredible comeback, a sign of relief, and—potentially—the end of an era with a new beginning.
Redshirt freshman Tommy DeVito entered in the fourth quarter and fueled a comeback that ended with the Syracuse Orange (5-2, 2-2) edging out the North Carolina Tar Heels (1-5, 1-3) by a score of 40-37 in double overtime.
SU’s defense showed some weakness at the outset. Bolstered mainly by screens and quick passes of five to ten yards, the Tar Heels easily marched downfield on their first drive, taking a 7-0 lead after quarterback Nathan Elliott dumped a six-yard pass to Dazz Newsome.