Notre Dame football: 3 reasonable expectations for the Irish against UNC

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Oct 23, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Bo Bauer (52) celebrates after Notre Dame defeated the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football: 3 reasonable expectations for the Irish against UNC

The defense holds the Tar Heels under 20 points

It has been an interesting season for Marcus Freeman’s defense, as they have looked so good at times, like the game against Wisconsin, but they have also allowed better than 20 points in three of their seven games so far. On Saturday, the Tar Heels are going to try and beat the Irish through the air, especially with Kyle Hamilton out, but I believe Notre Dame’s defense is going to be up for the task.

This is a defense that has been getting better and better weekly, and they are fresh off a dominant effort against Kedon Slovis and the USC Trojans. Howell should get his yards, but the Irish defense is not going to break in this one, and keeping them under 20 points in this game is a reasonable expectation.

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 18: Jayson Ademilola #57 and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa #95 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 18, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

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

The Notre Dame football team takes on UNC in Week 9, and here are three members of the Irish to keep an eye on during the matchup.

This is not only a game that the Irish must have if they want to keep their slim College Football Playoff hopes alive, but it is one they should win. They are the better team on both sides of the ball, and playing at home in primetime should give them the added advantage they need to come out of this game at 7-1.

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