Notre Dame Football: Preview, predictions, and live stream vs. North Carolina

Notre Dame football will look to make it four straight wins as they travel to North Carolina in Week 6 of the college football season. Here is everything you need to know as the Irish take on the Tar Heels.

Notre Dame will head to UNC one week removed from one of their most dominant wins of the season. The Irish defended home turf against the Miami of Ohio RedHawks, defeating them by a score of 52-17. The Irish took it to Miami in almost all facets of the game and will look to continue their success into this week’s contest.

Saturday’s matchup will mark only the fourth time these two teams have met since 1975, and the second time in the past four seasons. The Irish have won the last seven matchups between the two programs as UNC was forced to vacate a 2008 victory. Notre Dame’s 17-1 lead over the series is impressive but means little as the majority of their games were played prior to 1975.

Now both teams will face off in a tale of two seasons. While the Irish have solidly rebounded from a disastrous 4-8 season, North Carolina holds a 1-4 record in the wake of quarterback Mitch Trubisky’s departure to the NFL. With the Tar Heels now in desperation mode, Notre Dame will need to avoid a mid-season lull if they don’t want to be the next victim of an unforeseen upset.

There are quite a few storylines to monitor in this contest, making this a game you don’t want to miss. Here’s how to catch all the action this Saturday:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Venue: Kenan Memorial Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: ABC Live Stream

Keys to Victory

Head coach Brian Kelly was able to work on the Irish pass game against a poor Miami defense, but a more respectable UNC secondary should force the Irish to revert to what they do best- running. While North Carolina’s pass defense has been decent, their rush defense has struggled greatly. Josh Adams and Co. should be able to take advantage of this defense as they have many others.

One of the more interesting developments coming into this game has been Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush‘s foot injury. Kelly has beat around the bush regarding Wimbush’s injury, but it’s clear that all is not well with the junior. However, MRI results have come back clean, dismissing any structural damage. Wimbush’s status for Saturday is currently up in the air.

While it appears that the Irish are simply being cautious with Wimbush, North Carolina would be more than happy to face off against backup Ian Book. While Book has impressed in limited opportunities this season, the Tar Heels would appreciate the opportunity to capitalize on the mistakes that often come along with inexperienced quarterbacks in unfamiliar offenses.

North Carolina’s best chance in this game is to hope that Book is announced the starter. While Book still gives the Irish a good chance to win, the Tar Heels are in a much better position than they would be facing Wimbush.

Prediction

The Irish will be in great position should Wimbush suit up for Saturday’s contest. Wimbush’s read-option abilities will be a headache for UNC, and Adams will be glad to kick in the migraine. Book will make things a little easier for the Tar Heels, but a strong Irish defense means nothing is guaranteed. Don’t be surprised if the Irish put this game away early with the run game alone.

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North Carolina have failed to identify a starting quarterback and a matchup with a solid Irish defense won’t be the place to start. Therefore, UNC head coach Larry Fedora will have his hands full no matter who is taking snaps. Notre Dame should be able to win regardless of their quarterback, but this prediction is made with Wimbush in mind.

Final Score: Notre Dame 31, North Carolina 17