Notre Dame football at UNC: Game preview and prediction in Week 4
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football team takes on UNC in Week 4, and here is our game preview and prediction for this must-win game.
The 1-2 Notre Dame football team hits the road in Week 4, traveling to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to take on the UNC Tar Heels. The Tar Heels have had a terrific start to the 2022 season, going 3-0, and it is clear that they have an explosive offense that can score at will.
The problem for the Tar Heels is, they have played weak competition so far, whereas the Irish have played the No. 2 team in the country. This will be the biggest test of the season for the Tar Heels, as Notre Dame finally won a game last weekend, and will be looking to get to 2-2 and back in the top-25 picture.
After the UNC tilt, the Irish head to their bye week, so getting a win before a two-week break will be crucial. Notre Dame football has a tough BYU team on the horizon after the bye week, but for now, the focus has to be on the Tar Heels and their explosive offense.
Notre Dame football to win a squeaker on the road
The Tar Heel offense does have the ability to score in bunches, but this is an elite Notre Dame defense that is finally starting to figure it out. They have not allowed more than 21 points to an opponent this season, and that includes the vaunted Ohio State offense, one led by a Heisman Trophy candidate in CJ Stroud.
While the Tar Heels have had their way this season on offense, the defense is downright bad, which means Drew Pyne and the Irish offense could have their way in this one. Pyne should be beaming with confidence after a strong second half against Cal, and the Irish had two players carry the ball over 15 times as well.
In a battle between these two teams, I like the Irish defense to make enough stops on this Tar Heels offense, while I cannot say the same for the North Carolina defense. That is going to be the difference on Saturday afternoon, and if the Irish can get a strong pass rush, led by Isaiah Foskey and company, they should be able to win a close one on the road.
Final Score: Notre Dame 28, UNC 21