Notre Dame football vs. UNC Tar Heels: 3 Irish players to watch in Week 9

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Oct 23, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) celebrates after a third-quarter touchdown against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football vs. UNC Tar Heels: 3 Irish players to watch in Week 9

Kyren Williams, Running Back

The Notre Dame football team dominated the USC Trojans on the ground this past weekend, as Kyren Williams had by far his best game of the season. The sensational redshirt sophomore racked up nearly 140 yards against a bad USC run defense, and this weekend, he plays against a UNC run defense that is even worse.

That could lead to a huge game for No. 23, as he embarks on what is likely his final few games for the Fighting Irish. If he can get it going, and Jack Coan and Tyler Buchner can protect the football, the Irish offense is going to be tough to stop, especially if things start to get a bit out of hand late in the game.

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 23: Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 23, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Notre Dame football Game Saturday: Notre Dame vs UNC odds and prediction for NCAA Week 9 game

The Notre Dame football team welcomes the UNC Tar Heels to Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, and here is an early look at the line and prediction.

UNC is not going to be a pushover, and if they can get their offense going, they can certainly go blow for blow with this Irish offense. Williams is the key here because if he can get it going on the ground, keeping Sam Howell and the Tar Heels on the sidelines, the Irish have an excellent opportunity to leave Notre Dame Stadium 8-1.

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