Instant Analysis: Notre Dame takes a step forward at UNC — but how big?
Bottom Line
The first road win of the Marcus Freeman coaching era at Notre Dame was as decisive in the moment as it was inconclusive in the longer view of the season.
But there’s no question the Irish took a step forward Saturday in Chapel Hill, N.C., with a 45-32 romp over the three-point home favorites. It’s just not clear how big of a step just yet.
Some sloppy play by Notre Dame (2-2) in the closing minutes, on both sides of the ball, took some shine off a game that the Tar Heels (3-1) never felt like they were in after the Irish scored 24 second-quarter points.
Audric Estime fumbled at the goal line with 3:20 left, with North Carolina safety Will Hardly recovering in the end zone for a touchback. Then Tar Heels, on the ensuing possession converted a fourth-and-21 play for a 64-yard TD with 1:44 left to pull within 13.
But Notre Dame’s defense was stout when it mattered most, and the Irish offense (114th nationally in total offense coming in) outgained the nation’s No. 4 offense, 576 to 367, outrushed the Tar Heels 287-66 and got a much improved performance from quarterback Drew Pyne in his second career start against admittedly the worst defense the Irish might see this season.
The Irish offense and defense played complementary football to a tee. Notre Dame ran 85 offensive plays and limited the Tar Heels to 60. It was Notre Dame's 25th regular-season win against ACC competition in its last 25 such games.
Big Picture
This was all about perception. And, yes, style points mattered. Recruits were watching. National media were sizing up Marcus Freeman’s aptitude to grow into a head coach. Freeman’s assistant coaches were being scrutinized, particularly offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and O-line coach Harry Hiestand. The polls are irrelevant at this point. It’s about building positive momentum on and off the field.
Questions Answered
The Irish linebackers collectively had their best game of the season to lead a defensive surge against the nation’s No. 4 team in total offense and No. 5 in scoring offense. JD Bertrand, though, was ejected for the second week in a row for a targeting infraction. Analyst Dan Orlovsky of ABC’s broadcast crew vehemently disagreed with the call. Jack Kiser led the Irish with nine tackles, with Marist Liufau adding six. Prince Kollie got his first game action of the season and recorded two tackles. ... Notre Dame's offensive line had its first dominant performance after making incremental progress last week against Cal.
Questions Lingering
Can Drew Pyne continue to evolve now as the Irish face better defenses? Do the Irish have an offensive identity that can translate from one week to the next? Does the Notre Dame secondary have answers to the occasinal busted coverages that plagued the Irish against the Tar Heels.
The Road Ahead
Notre Dame heads into a bye week, with head coach Marcus Freeman committed to a full week of practice given how early the open date falls in the season. The next game for the Irish will be Oct. 8 against BYU in a Shamrock Series matchup at Las Vegas (7:30 p.m. EDT; NBC).
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