The Irish finally got the hang of it, winning their first game of the Marcus Freeman era last week and look set to start a winning streak. They won’t have an easy opponent as host Tar Heels can score among the best teams in the country. Notre Dame has gotten better every week and will need to continue that trend to achieve their first road win of the 2022 season. Here are five statistical guesses for today’s Irish.
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They keep Notre Carolina’s offense below their season averages for points and yards
Sept 3, 2022; Boone, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the second half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The Heels have yet to face a defense with a pulse and this will most likely see them having more than a few fights against the Irish. They enter the game as the fifth best team in total offense with 547.3 yards per game and also the fifth best scoring offense with 39.3 points per game. The Irish on the other hand allowed 351.7 yards per game and 21.3 points per game, something they have to admit. I think it will be the younger UNC offense led by red shirt freshman Drake Maye as the Irish keep them closer to their defensive average.
Chris Tyree gets over 20 touches and over 150 yards
September 17, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Chris Tyree (25) scores a safety touchdown for California Bears Daniel Scott (2) in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time this season, Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees went for a tough Tyree approach and it paid off. The junior had his best game of the young season, getting 17 rushes for 64 yards and 5 passes for 44 yards and a score. He did a lot of heaving in the first half, but faltered a bit in the second. This time, Rees evens out his usage between the halves, and a much fresher Tyree in the later stages of the game rips off a few big plays.
The Irish finally force a turnover
Sept 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Brandon Joseph (16) reacts to the missed field goal during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a bit astonishing that this Irish defense hasn’t been able to force a turnover after three games. It’s just not normal at all, they should have at least got lucky there, but here we are. The Tar Heels were pretty good with the ball, throwing only one interception and losing three fumbles. No doubt defensive coordinator Al Golden has focused on this this week. That focus pays off as the Irish take the ball once through the air and again when they force and recover a fumble.
Drew Pyne posts a career high in passing yards
September 17, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Drew Pyne (10) signals for the first quarter snap against California Bearsat Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
The first starter set a career high in passing yards against Cal, but that number isn’t very high at just 150 yards. Pyne shows some improvement from his “week one” to second as he becomes more and more comfortable with the Irishman. His completion rate was very good at 73.9%, but his lung was only 36 yards. Rees knows the Irish have to push the ball across the pitch to clear career paths for Tyree and Audric Estime. Pyne will help as he forces the security measures to retreat from the box and respect the passing game as he soars more than 200 yards through the air.
A wide receiver will eventually go more than 100 meters
Sept 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Lorenzo Styles (4) catches a pass and walks down the sidelines for Ohio State Buckeyes (22) linebacker Steele Chambers (22) during the first quarter of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
If Pyne is going to play a big game someone has to be the benefactor of his performance and I think it will be Lorenzo Styles because of teams trying to stop star tight end Michael Mayer. Styles leads the team in receiving yards, but was a little inconsistent in catching the ball. Many thought he would break through after his appearance in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, but that hasn’t materialized yet. It does this week as Styles gets multiple touches en route to the biggest game for a receiver this season.
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