The outcome between Notre Dame and North Carolina will come down to whether a dominant offense or a dominant defense can hold out. The Irish have the defense, and it’s particularly effective on the ground and in stopping third-down conversions. Even if it’s not having the best day, it can count on a solid rushing offense and the overall offense’s abilities to pick up first downs and hold onto the ball. Victory could depend on all of those things.
The Tar Heels have the dominant offense, and it’s scary for opponents. It ranks near the the top of all major categories and is even better when it comes to first downs. Defensive coordinators around the ACC have been put in the unenviable position of figuring out how to stop this machine. Clark Lea will have to earn his paycheck more than he has the entire season, including against Clemson, because no team in 2020 can just walk into Chapel Hill and expect to have an easy time making stops.