Staff predictions for UNC football vs. Notre Dame

The North Carolina Tar Heels return to action on Saturday as they host No. 3 Notre Dame in Kenan Memorial Stadium. Fresh off their second bye week, the Tar Heels should be well rested in this one. They are also itching to get back on the field after they blew a late lead to Clemson a few weeks back.

But this test is even tougher.

The Fighting Irish are one of the best teams in college football through the first four weeks of the season and have national championship aspirations. It's going to take a really good game for UNC to win this one.

As we always do, here are our staff predictions for Week 5.

Zack Pearson

Record: 1-2

Prediction: Notre Dame 45, UNC 20

This is a really tough test for North Carolina. Even with them being at home, it's hard seeing the Tar Heels winning this one. I'd be happy to be wrong, but Notre Dame is No. 3 for a reason. I think the Fighting Irish jump all over UNC early and never look back as they win in blowout fashion.

Aidan Jensen

Record: 1-2

Prediction: Notre Dame 27, UNC 16

UNC returns home after three weeks, facing the best defense in college football. North Carolina has the offensive tools to compete, headlined by its deep running back room. The Tar Heels have a good defense that will impact Saturday’s result, but their offensive line will need to give Billy Edwards time to get that side of the football going. The Fighting Irish are simply too good and win easy in Kenan Stadium.

Grant Chachere

Record: 0-2

Prediction: Notre Dame 35, UNC 7

UNC returns to Kenan Stadium after a bye week, a much-needed one after a tough loss to Clemson the week prior.

Now they welcome a top-five team in Notre Dame and I do not think it will be pretty. The Fighting Irish have won all 4 of their games by an average of 42-8 and have not given up two touchdowns in any of them. I do think UNC’s defense will start off strong but won't be able to hold them for very long.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Staff predictions for UNC football vs. Notre Dame