Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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UNC RUNNING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME RUN DEFENSE Running backs continue to have a difficult time against the Irish defense. Tar Heels freshman star Elijah Hood's 17 carries netted 27 yards, and col- lectively the Carolina backs and slots had 24 carries for 52 yards. Keeping it in the game was the maneuverability and field vision of quarterback Marquise Williams, who by design or ad-lib romped for 132 yards on 18 attempts. It was easily Notre Dame's worst tackling effort of the season, but Williams' playmaking skills in a high-tempo attack heightened a possible physi- cal and mental fatigue issue on the Irish defense. ADVANTAGE: North Carolina UNC PASSING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME PASS DEFENSE Five different North Carolina players caught a pass that went for a minimum of 23 yards, and two other catches netted at least 20. Fifth-year senior safety Austin Collinsworth made his first start (since an August knee injury) to aid proper alignment and help counter the Tar Heels' frenetic pace. But when he suffered a dislocated shoulder during the first quar- ter, the issues of communication from the opener resurfaced. The Tar Heels unloaded their playbook, but they also made their own share of great indi- vidual plays. Although the Irish didn't record a sack (in part be- cause of seldom having holding called against North Carolina), they did force 11 QB hurries and broke up four passes. Also, junior cornerback Cole Luke's inter- ception at the Notre Dame 19 with the Irish clinging to a 43-36 lead was crucial. Still, Carolina averaged a strong 7.8 yards on its 42 pass attempts. ADVANTAGE: North Carolina NOTRE DAME RUNNING GAME VS. UNC RUN DEFENSE Similar to the Navy game last year, sophomore running back Tarean Folston took command in the fourth quarter, rushing nine times for 56 yards in the final 15 minutes. He finished with 98 yards on 18 car- ries overall, plus hauled in the nine-yard touchdown catch that put the Irish ahead for good. ON PAPER REVISITED BY LOU SOMOGYI Notre Dame junior defensive lineman Jarron Jones blocked the fourth kick of his career and second of the year, swatting away a UNC extra point try. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA