The 3-0 North Carolina Tar Heels will host 1-2 Notre Dame this Saturday in Chapel Hill, a big game to kickoff UNC’s Power 5 schedule the rest of the way.
UNC comes into this game on a four-game losing streak to the Fighting Irish. The last time North Carolina was victorious against Notre Dame was 2008 when the Tar Heels beat the Fighting Irish 29-24. .
This game has been UNC’s most anticipated all season, with a win boosting their chances of being ranked. However, Notre Dame’s slow start has dampened that reality and created an opportunity for North Carolina to show their unblemished record is no fluke.
Notre Dame’s biggest threat is their defense, one of the most talented in all college football. Junior defensive lineman, Howard Cross III, has been a force for the Fighting Irish, leading the team with 21 tackles. Their weakness is their offense, only averaging 18.3 points per game. To make it worse for Notre Dame’s offense, they are without quarterback Tyler Buchner, using sophomore Drew Pyne in his place.
Since replacing Buchner in the loss to Marshall, Pyne has completed 20 of 29 passes for 170 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Pyne’s target to watch is wide receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr., team leader in receiving yards with 152 on the season. Michael Mayer is the other threat, leading the team in receptions ( 15) and touchdowns (2).