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Notre Dame Football: 3 reasons Irish will beat North Carolina in Week 13

By Danny McCormick

Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Avery Davis (3) catches a pass in the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Avery Davis (3) catches a pass in the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stiff arms safety Nolan Turner #24 of the Clemson Tigers on his way to a touchdown in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stiff arms safety Nolan Turner #24 of the Clemson Tigers on his way to a touchdown in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images) /

3. Notre Dame’s rushing attack

All year long a strength for Notre Dame has been their ability to run the ball on ground. Of course the running backs deserve a ton of credit, but at the same time the offensive line, which many around the country see as being the best group in football also deserves a lot credit too. This week will look a little different up front on that talented offensive line for Notre Dame.

Last week news came out that starting center Jarrett Patterson had to have foot surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. Then on Friday, it was announced that starting right guard Tommy Kraemer had to have an emergency appendectomy and will miss the game Friday at North Carolina.

The depth chart for this weeks game were made available early on Monday. According to the depth chart, Notre Dame will now start sophomore Zeke Cornell at center, and senior Josh Lugg will fill in for Kraemer at right guard this week.

Obviously you never want to lose two starters on the offensive line at anytime, but Notre Dame still has three great linemen out there in Liam Eichenberg, Aaron Banks, and Robert Hainsey. Those three will do a great to help make Zeke Cornell and Josh Lugg comfortable on the field. Lugg did start five game last year at right tackle, so he does have some experience already going into this weeks game.

Kyren Williams, Chris Tyree and C’Bo Flemister who suffered an injury in Notre Dame’s last loss is expected to be back to face the Tar Heels on Friday afternoon. All the running backs will be well rested, and will be able to find success running the ball against the North Carolina defense.

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