When I first saw this season's schedule, the match up with North Carolina stuck out like a sore thumb. That is not because the Tar Heels on paper poses a serious threat to Notre Dame. On paper, The Irish should win this one easily. North Carolina gave up 70 points to East Carolina and are giving up an average of 41 points a game. That is a real chance for Everett Golson and company to have a big day offensively.
The Tar Heel offense does have a little explosiveness to it. They are led by Junior quarterback Marquise Williams who has 1083 yards passing with 9 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. Williams is also the leading rusher with 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. Having said that, his numbers aren't even close to Golson's and this is without a doubt the toughest defense they have seen all year.
But what is dangerous about North Carolina is their placement on the schedule. They are sandwiched in between Stanford and Florida State. That of course would bring up the obvious concern of a trap game. After coming off such a big win against The Cardinal and with the Seminoles on deck, it is so easy to look past this game. That is what is dangerous. Not only that, but teams also have a way of getting up for Notre Dame. And although this team has not had a good start to the season, they were ranked at #23 in the Preseason poll. That means that they were expected to be better and potentially could be better than their record indicates.
Bottom line is, Notre Dame needs to come to South Bend ready to play the Tar Heels. I don't see Notre Dame losing this game, but I can see it being a lot closer than it needs to be if they are looking ahead. As exciting as that game was last week, I think I speak for all Irish fans when I say I have no interest in a close game this week. Notre Dame needs to put this one away by half time.
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