Chansky's Notebook: Hold That Line

The interior lines will decide who wins in South Bend.

Looking at the comparative statistics, Carolina actually has the more impressive running and passing games than 11th-ranked Notre Dame. The Tar Heels rush and throw for more average yards per game than do the Fighting Irish.

Keep track of which defense can force the opposing offense off the field more. Notre Dame knows the dual threat capabilities of Sam Howell and wants him on the sidelines for as long as possible. That, in turn, gives the Irish offense more time to run the ball and the clock.

A year ago, there was no contest – especially in the second half – of which team controlled the line of scrimmage better. In shutting out Carolina after a 17-17 tie at the half on the way to a 31-17 victory, Notre Dame’s interior lines wore down their thinner counterparts.

Mack Brown was pleased going into the season that the Tar Heels would have more depth than a year ago on both sides of the ball. Injuries on the offensive line have made the running game very inconsistent, and when the defense breaks down it begins with Carolina giving up too much yardage at the line of scrimmage.

Notre Dame is 27-1 in its last 28 games at home and has a 37-game winning streak against unranked opponents, which UNC was not expected to be during the current season. But the Tar Heels fell out of the polls early and have not returned with their 4-3 record.

The Irish game plan will be simple: pound the ball on the ground like last year and hope that quarterback Jack Coan is as successful on third down as Ian Book was in Kenan Stadium. Carolina must at least win the field-position battle so it doesn’t face a game of long drives.

The Heels are big enough along the lines not to be dominated, but they must do better than that. While Howell brings more versatility with his improved running ability, his offensive line must protect him when he drops back in the pocket. That means limit the sacks and the long down-and-distance they create.

Notre Dame is only a 4-point favorite, losing to second-ranked Cincinnati four weeks ago. By controlling the line of scrimmage, Carolina has a reasonable chance to deal the Irish their second home loss this season, which would translate into a major upset.

Photo via ACC Media.

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Chansky’s Notebook: Hold That Line

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