College Football Preview: #2 Notre Dame vs. #19 North Carolina
An important ACC matchup that's expected to produce a ton of points
The migration to an ACC schedule this season was definitely a unique change of scenery for #2 Notre Dame (8-0, 7-0 in the ACC). Despite the roller coaster that is the 2020 season, the Fighting Irish find themselves in prime position within the College Football Playoff. There are still a couple of hurdles on the schedule and that includes this upcoming matchup on the road on Friday afternoon.
One of those hurdles come in the form of a road game in Chapel Hill. The #19 North Carolina Tar Heels (6-2, 6-2) are supplied with an offense that is one of the more productive units in all of college football. Not to mention, an opportunity still awaits for the Tar Heels to navigate to the ACC Championship Game. But first, they have to knock off an elite Notre Dame team.
Network: ABC
Time: Friday, November 27th, 3:30 PM EST
Notre Dame Analysis
If there is one constant about this Notre Dame team, it is the abundance of scoring that this team can produce. It is an offense that is 15th in the country with 38 total touchdowns. Leading the way is quarterback Ian Book, who has 17 total touchdowns and just one interception on the season. Each of the past three games, the Irish have totaled over 200 rushing yards and nine total rushing touchdowns. While the run game has been successful, the Irish would love to get their leading rusher, Kyren Williams, going again. Williams had plenty of success earlier in the season but has hit a wall a bit with only one 100-yard game over the past month.
Opposing offenses has their hands full at times because of the talented Notre Dame defense. The Fighting Irish have themselves an elite rushing defense. One that is fourth in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (85.1), sixth in rushing yards per carry allowed (2.9), and have allowed only seven rushing touchdowns all season. Safety Kyle Hamilton is the leader of the defense and leads the team in tackles with 39. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (35 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks) is an athletic specimen that is making a case to be a first team All-ACC member this season.
North Carolina Analysis
The Tar Heels came into the season with the reputation of having a dangerous offense that is capable of producing points and yards at will. After eight games thus far, the Heels have lived up to that reputation. Over the last four contests, North Carolina has posted at least 41 points in each game, including scoring 56 and 59 points respectively over the last two. Both games were wins by the Heels. Quarterback Sam Howell has been absolutely outstanding this season. He leads the ACC in passing yards per game (328.9) and quarterback rating (182.6). The Heels are impressively deep at wide receiver with six pass catchers with at least 11 receptions. A balanced approach has led to plenty offensive success as the Heels are 11th in passing in all of FBS and 12th in rushing.
While the offense has thrived all season, the Tar Heels defense has not necessarily been the most reliable. There is some solid talent within the unit however. The maturation of linebacker Chazz Surratt has been magnificent to watch. Surratt leads the team in tackles (68) and sacks (five). Edge rusher Tomon Fox is tops on the team in tackles for loss with eight. Getting corner Storm Duck and Kyler McMichael back from injury will be much needed help for a defense that is 93rd in the country in passing yards allowed per game.
Prediction
You like offensive fireworks? The day after Thanksgiving? Well, guess what, this is the contest for you.
In my opinion, this Notre Dame team is not the star studded squad of years past, but this a skilled team that is deep and has a legitimate shot at winning it all this year. Their win over #4 Clemson a few weeks back was a significant one and their road win over a scrappy Boston College team last week showed that they were able to take care of necessary business.
This however presents a different challenge. The combination of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter give North Carolina a dangerous one-two punch at running back. The duo helps North Carolina rank second in the ACC in rushing yards per game at 233.5 yards per game. Remember however, they will be lined up against a superb Notre Dame run defense.
The Tar Heels may look to establish their run game but this game may boil down to the effectiveness of Howell. Yes, the Irish defense is stellar but it is also one that gave up 437 total yards to Clemson and even 405 total yards to Florida State back in early October. I believe the Tar Heels will be a four quarter challenge for Notre Dame. UNC has plenty to play for in this one also. They have a couple of wins over ranked teams this season but this one here could be the best win for head coach Mack Brown since his return to the Tar Heels. The Irish will be in for a fight and they’ll escape with a few bumps and bruises.