ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 13: Florida State flirts with bottom

1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-0, 7-0)

Notre Dame was off this week ahead of their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels. While many writers and analysts feel Notre Dame should be on upset alert against the No. 25 Tar Heels, we here at headquarters feel different.

While North Carolina has one of the best one-two punches at running back in the conference, the Irish are 70 yards better against the run this season currently fifth in the country against the run.

Sam Howell is third in the country in passing yards, but North Carolina is 91st in sacks allowed facing one of the best pass rushes in the country. The Tar Heels have not shown much ability to stop anyone defensively. The Irish are 16th in the country in rushing offense while the Tar Heels are 54th in the country against the run.

More important than the statistics, this is a game where Notre Dame needs to prove the narrative has changed.

The Irish have a better roster than North Carolina. They should win this game going away. Elite teams win these types of game and Notre Dame wants to be considered elite.