UNC football vs. Notre Dame: Scouting report, score prediction

North Carolina football hasn't enjoyed a 4-0 start since 1997. The last of those wins was vacated as part of self-imposed penalties following an NCAA investigation into the program. This game is expected to be the hottest ticket for a UNC home football game this season.

Josh Downs and Antoine Green will play against Notre Dame. They have been injured since the season opener against Florida A&M. Downs was an All-ACC first-team pick last season. Green was the second-leading receiver last year. He has not played this season due to a shoulder injury.

Drake Maye is tied for first nationally with 11 touchdown passes and is 15th in passing yardage. Notre Dame's second-team quarterback Tyler Buckner went down with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder two weeks ago against Marshall. Drew Pyne replaced Bucker and led the Fighting Irish to a win in his first career start last Saturday at Cal.

The bye week before playing Notre Dame should benefit North Carolina football team. The Tar Heels have a 3-7 record in games after the bye since 2010. They lost to Virginia Tech in 2019 and to Notre Notre in 2020.

Michael Mayer is a junior tight end for Notre Dame. He has 128 receptions for 1,435 yards and 11 touchdowns in three seasons. North Carolina's defensive coordinator says Mayer poses a matchup problem for the defense. Senior safety Giovanni Biggers will be one of the main defenders matching up against Mayer.

Notre Dame has produced the most NFL draft picks of any college program with 521 entering this season. 70 former Fighting Irish players have been selected in the first round of the draft. North Carolina has made 257 draft choices with 24 first-round selections.

North Carolina has had a week to prepare for the game against Notre Dame. The Tar Heels have the better offense and they should win 47-41.