North Carolina Tar Heels: Looking For Luck Against Irish
After getting bulled over by Georgia Tech, the Tar Heels look to avoid a third straight loss as North Carolina hosts run-heavy Notre Dame.
To say UNC (1-4, 0-3 ACC) is struggling would be an understatement. However, the Tar Heels are looking to salvage the rest of their season, and this Saturday’s matchup against No. 21 Notre Dame (4-1) would be a good place to start.
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How the Irish Fights
Notre Dame ranks seventh in the FBS in rushing yards, averaging 301.4 yards per game. The Fighting Irish is led by Josh Adams with 73 carries for 658 yards and four touchdowns.
The Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush sits 68-of-131 passing for 783 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Wimbush has also established himself as a solid rusher. He’s second on the team in rushing yards with 402 while taking it to the end zone eight times.
Wimbush’s top target is Equanimeous St. Brown who has 14 catches for 202 yards and two scores. Alize Mack is also a strong receiving option as Mack has hauled in 11 receptions for 116 yards.
How the Heels Stand
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Chazz Surratt looks to lead the Tar Heels to their first home win of the season this weekend against the Irish. Surratt has completed 81 of 128 attempts thus far with five scores and two picks.
The UNC offense will continue to lean heavily on Jordon Brown moving forward. Brown has carried the ball 54 times for 269 yards and three touchdowns. He’s also proven to be Surratt’s primary target. He’s got a team-high 20 receptions for 125 yards.
What A Win Will Mean
Though the Fighting Irish has a competitive arrangement with the Atlantic Coast Conference, a North Carolina win over FBS Independent Notre Dame won’t improve the Heels’ ACC standing. However, a victory would be a step in the right direction.
The North Carolina offense was held to a season-low 247 yards against the Yellow Jackets, and the Irish will present just as tough a challenge if not more so. If the Heels can overcome Notre Dame, that will give the team enough momentum that can carry on into the next game against UVa.