Notre Dame’s rushing woes and UNC’s QB struggles set stage for ACC clash

Key points

• Notre Dame ranks 98th in FBS rushing offense (141.8 yards/game), a drop from 17th last year after losing top backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to the NFL draft.
• Notre Dame’s offensive line has faced criticism for failing to open holes, but coach Marcus Freeman insists the unit is improving and will rotate backs Aneyas Williams and Nolan James Jr. to keep them fresh.
• Freshman running back Jonaz Walton emerged against Purdue with 61 yards on 7 carries, including a 44-yard run, prompting fans to demand a larger role for him.
• North Carolina’s quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. completed only 13 of 30 passes (43.3%) in a loss to Clemson, highlighting struggles with accuracy and pocket presence.
• Notre Dame’s defense is ranked 11th in scoring (17.6 points allowed) and 22nd in total defense, while UNC’s pass rush features Xavier Lewis (6 sacks) and potentially Melkart Abou Jaoude, who has been injured.
• Both teams are among the least-penalized in FBS: Notre Dame averages 26.5 penalty yards per game (1st), and UNC averages 31.7 yards (4th).

Background

Notre Dame’s 2025 season was defined by a dominant rushing attack led by Love and Price, which propelled them near the College Football Playoff. Their 2026 season began with a 41-13 win over Wisconsin, but questions about offensive consistency have persisted. North Carolina, under new coach Bill Belichick, has struggled to find offensive rhythm, particularly after a late collapse against Clemson. The archive notes Notre Dame’s recent defensive dominance, including a 1971 shutout of North Carolina, but the current focus is on the 2026 matchup’s tactical challenges.

How outlets are covering it

One Foot Down emphasizes Notre Dame’s need for offensive line dominance and a more aggressive approach to trick plays, citing Freeman’s risk-taking culture. SI.com focuses on UNC’s need for QB consistency, rushing control via Benjamin Hall, and pass rush, noting Abou Jaoude’s injury. WPTF highlights Notre Dame’s rushing decline compared to last year and Freeman’s rotation strategy, while also noting UNC’s passing struggles and both teams’ low penalty rates. The outlets agree on the importance of Notre Dame’s defense but differ on whether UNC’s issues are primarily QB-related or systemic.

Why it matters

This game tests Notre Dame’s ability to adapt after losing its top rushing duo, while UNC must prove it can compete with elite defenses. Notre Dame’s success could solidify its playoff positioning, while UNC’s performance will determine if Belichick’s early tenure can turn around a struggling program. The matchup also highlights the impact of NFL departures on college football rosters.

What to watch

Notre Dame will likely increase Walton’s usage if the offensive line improves. UNC must refine Edwards Jr.’s accuracy and activate Abou Jaoude for pass rush. Both teams will focus on minimizing penalties, as their low rates could be a decisive factor in a tight game. The result will influence their remaining ACC schedules and playoff/bowl prospects.