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Billy Edwards Jr. will make or break UNC’s chances against Notre Dame

As North Carolina prepares for its upcoming fifth-week clash against the third-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish, analysts point to quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. as the crucial X-factor for the team's prospects.

Through the opening two games of the 2026 campaign, Edwards delivered steady, turnover-free performances, guiding the offense past TCU with a 15-10 final score and orchestrating a dominant rushing attack totaling 161 yards and three touchdowns against ETSU.

However, the recent road contest in South Carolina revealed stark inconsistencies following a promising start that featured a 17-3 lead in the second quarter. After directing early touchdown drives, Edwards experienced a sharp decline in production during the second half, managing just 52 passing yards on six-of-fifteen passing as the offensive momentum stalled.

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Staff predictions for UNC football vs. Notre Dame