Notre Dame Football at North Carolina Tar Heels review: 3 Studs, 3 Duds

Notre Dame Football at North Carolina Tar Heels review: 3 Studs, 3 Duds

3 Duds

Cornerback TaRiq Bracy

Notre Dame needs cornerback TaRiq Bracy to be successful because right now, the Irish lack depth at the position. However, it is clear that Bracy is struggling, and he is now only a starter in name.

Freshman Clarence Lewis has essentially taken over at the cornerback spot opposite of McCloud. Right now, Notre Dame does not need that position to play at an elite level, as the Irish defense will not be challenged against Syracuse. Bracy will likely get another chance to improve, as it may seem absurd to continue to start him, but keeping his confidence up is critical.

Dyami Brown

There is no doubt that North Carolina wideout Dyami Brown is extremely talented. There is no doubt he produced against Notre Dame, and there is also no doubt that he hurt his team with constant trash talk and personal fouls.

To be fair, Notre Dame cornerback Nick McCloud mouthed off an equal amount. However, it never crossed the line into an area where it drew penalties. Even after the Tar Heels had essentially lost the game, Brown tried to take on the entire Notre Dame bench.

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown is an experienced and elite coach. He will work with the young receiver so that he focuses on the task at hand and not on what an opponent is saying.

Targeting and Penalties

The targeting penalty called on Kyle Hamilton was a textbook case. Hamilton led with the crown of his helmet and struck a defenseless receiver. It was completely unnecessary for a 3rd and 20 situation.

The penalty allowed the North Carolina drive to continue. Most importantly, it left the Irish without their best player on the backend of the defense. His absence could have spelled disaster for the defense. However, a combination of D.J. Brown and Houston Griffith filled the void. They allowed Notre Dame to shutout an explosive North Carolina offense in the 2nd half.