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Staff Predictions 2020: North Carolina Tar Heels

By Observer Sports Staff · Friday, Nov. 27, 2020

Notre Dame fans might be in for a wakeup call come Friday afternoon. This North Carolina offense is dynamic and can beat you on the run and from the pocket. Between Sam Howell at quarterback and the two-pronged running attack of Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, Clark Lea will have his hands full trying to manage this offense. That said, even with all the offensive weapons at its disposal, Notre Dame is still the more talented and more balanced team. Whether in double overtime against Clemson or holding Louisville to one score on a day when the Irish offense struggled to connect, this Notre Dame defense has proven itself to be the backbone of this team’s success. Still, this offense is nothing to write off. As long as the defense contains the big plays that Howell and his offensive corps are bound to put up, Ian Book just has to do what he does best — manage the game. I don’t expect this game to ever be more than a two touchdown difference, so this will be a test of patience and trust. Are the Irish up for it?

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