When the season started, I pegged the games at Michigan State and North Carolina as the two toughest tests until November, both due to them being away from South Bend and the quality of opponents.  The contest with the Spartans, apart from being the sole loss for Notre Dame this season, was also a horrendously played offensive game, with poor play-calling and untimely turnovers canceling out yeoman's work from the defense is holding down Javon Ringer.

The Tar Heels haven't faced a drop-back passer half as talented as Jimmy Clausen (Tyrod Taylor's style of play is far too different to compare), and Notre Dame has only played that one other road game.  This will be a fun game sandwiched between a great day of football. 

Go Irish, Beat Tar Heels.