Notre Dame at North Carolina: Statistically Speaking

Here is a look at how the Irish stack up with this weekend’s opponent – North Carolina.  Below the table you will find some comments on what these stats might mean come game time.

• The North Carolina defense is giving up some yards.  The Tar Heels rank 57th in total defense and 67th in rushing defense.  This suggests to me that we should be able to move the ball on this defense since they have yet to face an offense which packs as much power throwing the football as we will bring with us.
• Turnovers will be the difference.  North Carolina is 12th in the country in turnover margin and North Dame is 20th.  The team which turns the ball over more this weekend will most likely be the loser.
• North Carolina has problems protecting the quarterback.  UNC ranks just 91st in the NCAA in sacks allowed per game with 2.2 a game this year.  Expect a lot of blitzing from Notre Dame this weekend.
• North Carolina has trouble getting to the quarterback.  UNC doesn’t like to blitz a lot and relies on their front four to create pressure.  Because of this they are not getting to opposing quarterbacks often.  They are forcing turnovers though off the pressure they generate with just the front four because they can drop seven into coverage.
• North Carolina isn’t moving the ball great.  The UNC offense isn’t moving the ball particularly well ranking just 88th in total offense this year.
• While UNC is allowing yards through the air, their pass efficiency defense is very strong.  UNC has 12 interceptions this season (including 3 last weekend of Zach Frazer).
• North Carolina is scoring points.  UNC is using turnovers and special teams to set up their offense with scoring opportunities.  Their defense and special teams are directly scoring points as well.   If Notre Dame can limit turnovers and prevent any big returns, the Irish defense should be able to keep UNC from scoring a lot of points this week because their offense is struggling to sustain offense.