Notre Dame Football: 5 reasons the Irish will beat North Carolina
By Jacob Wilson
3. Notre Dame’s receivers will finally break out
Despite Notre Dame’s predisposition to default to the run, there are two ways through which their receivers could finally have their breakout game. First, a few early scores allow Kelly to be less conservative and let Wimbush sling it. Second, there is still a chance that backup Ian Book will have to replace the injured Wimbush, a change that would be a blatant benefit for Irish receivers.
What we’re more likely to see would be something similar to Wimbush’s output in last week’s win. Kelly probably waits a little longer before testing Wimbush’s arm in this one, but if the game gets out of hand there’s a good chance we see more of what the junior can do through the air. This will be a great chance for Wimbush to gauge his abilities as UNC has been very generous against the pass.
Just how generous have they been? Here’s a look at the top receiving threats they’ve faced up to this point.
Week 1 vs. California
Vic Wharton: 156 yards, 1 TD
Week 2 vs. Louisville
Jaylen Smith: 183 yards, 1 TD
Week 3 vs. Old Dominion
Travis Fulgham: 102 yards, 1 TD
Week 4 vs. Duke
T.J. Rahming: 73 yards
Week 5 vs. Georgia Tech
Ricky Jeune: 37 yards, 1TD
Now, while it looks like the Tar Heels are trending in a positive direction, their last contest came against an option-heavy opponent in Georgia Tech, a game in which the Yellow Jackets attempted ten total passes. After being burned in their first three games and surrendering multiple touchdowns to opposing teams’ top receivers, things start to look up for a poor Irish pass game.