Notre Dame football: 3 big questions to answer against UNC in Week 9

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Oct 9, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish placekicker Jonathan Doerer (39) celebrates with offensive lineman Michael Carmody (68) and tight end George Takacs (85) after he makes the game-winning field goal from the hold of punter Jay Bramblett (left) against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football: 3 big questions to answer against UNC in Week 9

Will the offensive line continue to improve?

One of the big things to come out of the Virginia Tech win before the bye week was how much better the offensive line played after some movement in terms of personnel. Joe Alt has been terrific at left tackle, and Andrew Kristofic has also played very well replacing Zeke Correll at guard.

That led to Kyren Williams having his best game of the season after the bye week, as well as strong play from both quarterbacks in Jack Coan and Tyler Buchner. If the offensive line can get push against a poor UNC defensive line, they should be able to clear holes for Williams and this run game, enabling them to control the clock.

The rest of the way, this team is only going to go as far as the offensive line will take them, and it seems they have the right mix of personnel upfront now. Winning the battle in the trenches is huge at any level of football, and this is an area where I believe the Irish will be dominant on both sides of the ball Saturday night.

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