Notre Dame football at North Carolina Tar Heels: Preview and prediction
By Brad Weiss
Notre Dame football at North Carolina Tar Heels: Preview and prediction
Prediction
As stated earlier, this game has all the markings of a shootout, as both teams have had two weeks to prepare for this crucial ACC matchup. The advantage has to go to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish there, as they have an elite defensive coordinator in Chuck Lea, who will have his hands full with this potent North Carolina offense.
The game will also feature two of the top running backs in the country in Javonte and Kyren Williams, two guys who can take a game over at any time. Both programs have solid backups in Michael Carter and C’Bo Flemister, so this could be a game that is won on the ground.
Notre Dame has two starting linemen out for the game, as Jarrett Patterson is out for the year, and Tommy Kraemer is out for at least this week. Still, they should be able to create space for both Book and his running backs, as North Carolina has really struggled on defense this season.
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The Irish have more talent than the Tar Heels, and I believe that will be the difference in what should be an excellent game the day after Thanksgiving. Expect Book to make enough plays in the second half to pull away, with the Irish defense clamping down and helping the team to an eight-point victory.
Prediction: Notre Dame 38, North Carolina 30