Irish favored by 3.5 over UNC.

Those two backs, and Howell at QB, make them very dangerous. I think some ND fans don't realize how explosive they are capable of being.

I think ND's D has been really good this season, with a couple of caveats: pass rush and consistency in CB coverage. So I both agree and disagree with you on the ND D. I think some fans put too much weight on passing yards surrendered, such as in the Clemson game. But ND has shown vulnerabilities that a great offense like UNC could exploit. ND struggles to rush the passer, and CB coverage isn't always strong. It isn't a complete D . . . yet. And I do have some worries about UNC and potentially a rematch with Clemson. I'll go out on a limb, though, that if ND holds UNC under or close to 100 yards rushing, ND will win comfortably -- even if Howell throws for 350+. If Williams and Carter are effective on the ground, ND will have to score a lot and outscore them . . . and unlike some fans, I do worry about the loss of two starting OLs. ND might not be able to afford a quarter-plus of "adjusting" to the new line configuration.

Wanted to note also that Javonte Williams was the kind of recruit that a lot of ND fans would have complained about. He was a low-3* with little recruiting fanfare (ranked as the #1476th player nationally by 247.) Carter was also a 3* recruit, though a little higher up the charts.

these are not the numbers to my super combo lock. They are the points allowed by UNC in its last 6 games. Improving? Concede their RB-in fact they have two ranked in the top ten and their QB has a very quick release and is dangerous both run/pass when he is out-of-pocket. Last year BC came in with 2 of the top 5 RBs, I think, in nation and we clocked them. Lea is more than capable and the D is healthy. We must limit their run game and contain their QB, forcing errors. They are susceptible to pressure, but it has to be disciplined.

But their D is bad. There is no other way to describe it. We are a better balanced team and that will be a big factor. Again I wonder what is UNC's personnel situation? A bye week means crap-look where it got us:2 OLs down. But we are a deep team.