The Tar Heels are a fairly fraudulent 3-0, as they needed their high-powered offense to pull out late comeback victories against Appalachian State and Georgia State, teams they should have dominated. Notre Dame has been shaky under first-year coach Marcus Freeman but this should be a favorable spot. The Irish have covered their last four against ACC opponents, while the Tar Heels have failed to cover in five straight when coming off a bye. Notre Dame also held Ohio State to just 21 points in Week 1 and should similarly slow down the Tar Heels.

North Carolina has the better quarterback, better pass catchers and is playing at home after a week off to prepare while Notre Dame limps in after dodging an upset scare at the hands of Cal last week. The Fighting Irish defense is strong enough to keep Drake Maye from putting 40 on the board, but I think the Tar Heels might only need 30 to win considering the limitations of this Notre Dame offense.

Generally, you lean the team with the better quarterback and that's clearly North Carolina with Drake Maye, but the Irish are probably better everywhere else -- especially on defense. It's the first game for the Heels against Power 5 school (yeah I get the Irish technically aren't in a conference), and UNC has been brutal on defense. It ranks No. 123 in total yards allowed (486.3) and 119th in scoring defense (37.7). Marcus Freeman's club should be able to run it all day and keep Maye off the field.

The shine has come off of the golden dome in a big way, but Notre Dame will get right this weekend against a North Carolina team that treats defense like a myth. The Tar Heels are giving up 275.3 yards per game through the air, and Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman will take advantage of this opportunity by letting new starter Drew Pyne loose. That, coupled with an increased effort to win the battle in the trenches, will give the Irish an outright win.

It was great to see Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman get the first victory in his career last weekend vs Cal; the first of many. Where they could potentially run into an issue in this game vs North Carolina is with the speed and tempo the Tar Heels tend to play at. UNC has no problem making this game a track meet, one in which they know the Irish don't necessarily want to play. Also, Tar Heels QB Drake Maye is playing out of his mind right now, showing complete command of the offense. Coming off of a bye week, North Carolina should be able to halt the Irish momentum coming off of their victory vs Cal.