North Carolina will need its top-25 scoring defense and the nation’s sack leader to show up big time on Saturday if they want a chance to knock off the 4-0 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Tar Heels' defense has been the strong suit of UNC through three games, limiting opponents to under 14 points per game and allowing just four total offensive touchdowns.

UNC enters Saturday averaging a modest 366 total yards per game, including 211 yards via the air and 155 via the ground. The Tar Heels are also averaging 23.3 points per game, but have limited their turnovers to just four, with three lost fumbles and one interception. It could be a long day for the Tar Heels offense this week, as they prepare to go against a Notre Dame defense that is ranked among the best in the country in nearly every key statistic.

The upset Purdue fans have good reason for their discouragement considering they currently rank last in the Big Ten in points allowed per game (36.33), total yards per game allowed (446.7), total yards per play allowed (6.9), rushing yards per game allowed (207), yards per carry allowed (5.5), and opponent third down conversion rate (54.1%).

Through three games, Purdue’s offensive attack has tried to be balanced; however, the passing game is having much more success compared to the ground. Overall, the Boilermakers are averaging an impressive 488.7 total yards per game, including 6.8 yards per play.