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Through four games, Notre Dame's offense has been good in some areas and needs some improvement in others. This weekend, they face the North Carolina Tar Heels who have a much better defense than what some may believe them to have. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is coming off a record setting season with the Irish offense in 2025, but has some work to do in key areas if they wish to achieve that same feat in 2026. 

Currently, Notre Dame ranks 17th in the country in points per game (42.3), 4th in the country in tackles for loss allowed (8), 4th in the country in sacks allowed (2) and 2nd in the country in turnovers lost (1). This unit has done a tremendous job at limiting, and borderline eliminating, negative plays. But if this offense wants to take the next step, having a strong performance against this Tar Heels defense is a 'must'. These are the key matchups they will have to win if they wish to take a major step in the right direction. 

SLOT RECEIVER

Since 2024, the slot receiver position has been an area that has been hit or miss for Denbrock and the Irish offense. Last season, Wisconsin transfer Will Pauling led the team in touchdown receptions from the slot, but the position's overall impact was hampered by the hamstring injury to Jaden Greathouse. So far this season, the slot position has accounted for nine receptions, 122 yards and zero touchdowns through four games. We've seen Jordan Faison at the field position and Micah Gilbert in the boundary make their presence felt. Now, it's time to get the slot receiver position going. 

Matchup To Watch: If Denbrock and the Irish are going to get this spot in the offense going, this weekend is the time to do so. They'll be going against North Carolina's nickel corner Kaleb Cost who has been targeted 11 times and has allowed seven receptions and 62 yards receiving. The Tar Heels have a strong pass defense and rank 27th in the country in yards per attempt and have only allowed one passing touchdown all season. They have not, however, faced a complete passing attack like the one they're going to on Saturday. Yes, Clemson might have the better one-two punch at receiver, but I'd take Notre Dame's quarterback, offensive coordinator, offensive line and tight end room over the Tigers. 

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

It's been an up and down type of season for Notre Dame's offensive line as a whole, but especially at the right guard position. We saw a rotation between Styles Prescod and Sullivan Absher in the season opener, but Absher has seemingly locked down the position since. The left guard spot has been held down by junior Anthonie Knapp who made the transition from left tackle at the start of the offseason. They've been pretty solid in pass protection, but have had a hit or miss performance on a week to week basis in the run game. This weekend, they'll be put to the test as run blockers and pass protectors. 

Matchup To Watch: Notre Dame's offensive guards will be going against a handful of talented interior defenders from North Carolina. Two in particular, Xavier Lucas and Isaiah Johnson, will be key matchups to watch. This has 'game wrecker' type of vibes written all over it. Lucas leads the team in total pressures with 14 and also leads the team in total hits plus sacks on the quarterback (9). Despite being 6-0, 260-pounds, he's been a very disruptive player and will line up all across the defensive line. Johnson is more of a run-stuffing interior defender at 6-2, 320-pounds. Knapp and Absher will have to be on their A-game this Saturday. 

MIKE DENBROCK

I firmly believe that Notre Dame has one of the best in the business as its offensive coordinator. Denbrock has done great things during his return to South Bend. In his first season in 2024, he engineered an offense that took Notre Dame to the national title game against Ohio State. This past season, the Irish set modern-day program records in points per game, yards per play and passer rating.

This season, he's breaking in a new running back room and a new-look offensive line, but has a smattering of talent at the receiver and tight end position and a returning Heisman candidate at quarterback in CJ Carr. This weekend, he'll be going against one of the best defensive minds in the game. 

Matchup To Watch: North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick made a living and won eight Super Bowls, in part with quarterback Tom Brady commanding the offense, but also with stifling defense. He's looking to do the same with the Tar Heels, and in some areas, is starting to accomplish that.

They've only allowed one passing touchdown all season, rank 4th in the country in red zone defense and have only allowed three rushing touchdowns in 2026. The sideline matchup between Denbrock and Belichick will be one to watch. Yes, in college football sometimes it comes down to the 'Jimmys and the Joes' but this is an X's and O's matchup you won't want to miss. 

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