Williams' 3 TDs help No. 18 UNC pull away from Syracuse 31-6

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- North Carolina opened a high-expectation season with a fast start and a strong finish, sandwiched around a run of mistake-filled play. And all of it came amid the unusual backdrop of section after section of empty seats. Javonte Williams ran for three fourth-quarter touchdowns to help the 18th-ranked Tar Heels pull away and beat Syracuse 31-6 on Saturday, winning in an empty home stadium after the school opted to open with no fans in attendance due to the coronavirus pandemic. After a game-opening touchdown drive, the Tar Heels (1-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) sputtered with turnovers and penalties before ultimately settling into a rhythm to look like the team expected to be a contender in the ACC race.