Notre Dame found a rhythm after a slow start and built a 45-20 lead early in the fourth quarter, only to get sloppy down the stretch before securing a 45-32 victory over North Carolina. The Fighting Irish physically dominated the Tar Heels after spotting them a 7-0 advantage in the first period. Audric Estime led a powerful ground game and quarterback Drew Pyne hit a few well-conceived scoring passes to wide open receivers to take control.
Notre Dame scored 38 points in 18 minutes from early in the second quarter through the first five minutes of the third.