Defensive keys to the game vs Notre Dame

It’s the biggest matchup of the season for the UNC football program as it welcomes in the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to Chapel Hill on Saturday.

While the Tar Heels are 3-0 this season, there have been some major issues with the defensive unit and it’s a group that needs to get its performance turned around.

Notre Dame has a backup quarterback entering his second start and first road start of the season.

After going through some changes during the bye week, North Carolina looks to come out with a lot of energy on Saturday.

If a good performance from the defense happens this weekend, it could be a huge turning point early on in the season.

Here are the defensive keys to the game for UNC against Notre Dame.

Win the line of scrimmage

Nov 27, 2020; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book (12) is pressured by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Raymond Vohasek (51) and linebacker Tomon Fox (12) in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Notre Dame offense has lacked any sort of firepower this season and a big reason for that is a lack of effectiveness running the ball.

The Irish are averaging just 3.3 yards per carry this season and have just two runs longer than 15 yards. While the offensive line has typically been a strength of the team, the entire rushing attack has been limited and that means winning the line of scrimmage is key in limiting the Irish offense.

North Carolina’s defensive line has been inconsistent in the run game. After allowing just 56 yards in the opener on the ground, it’s been over 230 yards allowed in each of the last two games, including 288 against Appalachian State.

If UNC can limit an explosive plays, which is not what Notre Dame is known for so far this season, then it could sure up the rest of the defense to have a better performance.

Limit the touches of Michael…