Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. North Carolina in Week 6

2. The Irish eclipse 450 rushing yards

While the last prediction banked on Book being quarterback, this one relies on Wimbush’s presence. The Tar Heels have been one of the worst teams in the nation when defending the run this year, allowing an average of over 221 rushing yards per game. Should Wimbush be good to go come Saturday, the Tar Heels could be in a whole lot of trouble.

North Carolina’s defense was exposed in grand fashion in last week’s 33-7 loss to Georgia Tech last week. A total of eight players combined for 403 rushing yards on 66 carries, averaging out to a 6.1 yard per carry. Notre Dame is currently third in the nation in yards per carry, setting up for what could be an ugly game for a reeling Tar Heels defense.

Should Wimbush suit up in Saturday’s contest, North Carolina will be tested with two of the nation’s biggest rushing threats at their respective positions. Running back Josh Adams currently averages nine yards per attempt, good for 6th in the nation. Given the amount of times the Irish have put up over 330 rushing yards on opponents, all signs point to a similar performance here.

North Carolina will likely stack the box early against the Irish, but many teams have tried that before and failed. With a fantastic offensive line playing in front of the likes of Wimbush and Adams, nothing outside of one of the nation’s top defensive fronts has been able to contain the Irish rushing attack. There’s little reason to believe a defense such as North Carolina’s will.