.JPG "North Carolina quarterback Drake May pitches the first half during an NCAA college football game against Georgia in Atlanta on Sept. 10, 2022.")
North Carolina quarterback Drake May pitches the first half during an NCAA college football game against Georgia in Atlanta on Sept. 10, 2022.
APs
Even against a struggling Notre Dame team, North Carolina may finally find the definitive answer it hasn’t had in its last three wins. Yes, Tarr his heels are undefeated.
A win (1-2) against Ireland may be the barometer the Heels need to figure it out.
Notre Dame lost 21-10 to Ohio State in their opening game. However, his 26–21 home loss to Marshall sent fighting his Irish and his first-year coach Marcus Freeman into an early-season tailspin.
The Irish have had major problems offensively, scoring just three goals in three games in the first quarter, averaging just 18 points per game.
Despite the Notre Dame problems, the Carolinas were able to get some reassurance by winning their last non-conference game before ACC play began. After squandering double-digit leads against (41-21) and Georgia State (21-3), they escaped with two wins on the road.
healthy return?
UNC coach Mack Brown said he hopes a few starters will be back in the lineup with the Tar Heels having a week off. Receiver Antoine Greene, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since mid-August, returned after catching a pass before the Tar Heels’ victory over Georgia State. There is a possibility
Junior receiver Josh Downs, who led the team in receiving and yards last season, hasn’t played since injuring his knee in the season opener against Florida A&M. Offensive his tackle Spencer Rowland missed the win against the Panthers due to a lower body injury.
With all three available at Notre Dame, the Heels will go all out offensively in the first game of the season.
Stopping forces and moving objects
The Notre Dame offense ranks 114th in the nation among 131 FBS teams in total offense, averaging just 300.3 yards per game. The Carolina defense ranks 123rd in total defense and allows an average of 468 yards per game.
I have to give something. Will this be a game and team where the Tar Heels defense builds a complete game and shuts down opponents, or will it be a game where the Irish offense comes to life? may be decided.
3 Notre Dame players to watch
Drew Pine, QB: A season-long injury loss against Marshall, starting quarterback Tyler Buchner, prompted Pine to take over at center. Saturday’s game against Carolina will be his second career start for the junior.
Isaiah Fosky, VYP: The 6-foot-5-inch, 265-pound Junior plays the hybrid “Viper” position in the Irish lineup. He is essentially a stand-up his defensive his end, but can also drop back as a linebacker. He leads Ireland with his 2.5 sacks and 3 tackles.
Howard Cross III, DT: Defensive linemen rarely lead teams in tackles, but the 6-foot, 276-pound junior does just that for the Irish. He is arguably the best player UNC’s offensive line has seen so far this season.
3 UNC players to watch
Drake May, QB: Even after all teams have played three games, May’s numbers are still highly regarded. He has 11 passing touchdowns, vying for first place nationally with CJ Stroud of Ohio State and Davis Brin of Tulsa. He ranks 8th nationally in passing efficiency, and 310 yards per game ranks him 11th.
Kymon Rucker, DE: Through three games, Rucker was named the fourth best edge defender in the nation, according to Pro Football Focus. Rucker assisted on his two-point conversion stop that saved the game against Applistate.
Kobe Pacer, WR: The academic freshman has emerged as May’s most trusted target. Paysur started his final two games in the absence of Josh Down and currently leads the team with his 14 catches for 172 yards.
UNC vs. Notre Dame Game and TV Information
Who: UNC (3-0) vs. Notre Dame (1-2)
Where: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill
when: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
tv set: ABC
stream: ESPN+
las vegas betting odds
According to Vegas Insider’s consensus line, Tar Heels is a 1.5 point favorite.
CL Brown covers the University of North Carolina for The News & Observer. Brown has more than 20 years of reporting experience, including her writing assignments at Indiana University and the University of Louisville. After an extended residency at his APSE Award-winning Louisville Courier-Journal, he stopped by his ESPN.com, his The Athletic, and even tried his hand at running his own website, clbrownhoops.com.
