Two explosive offenses could light up Kenan

Game and Time: Notre Dame at North Carolina. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Site: Kenan Stadium.

TV/Radio: TV coverage will be on ABC. Radio coverage will be provided by WCHL 1360 AM WRDU 106.1 FM.

Records: Notre Dame and North Carolina are both 4-1.

The Key Matchup: Notre Dame's passing game vs. North Carolina's pass defense.

North Carolina is featured today in yet another game receiving national attention as the storied Notre Dame football program pays a visit to Kenan Stadium.

And with the Fighting Irish coming to town the Tar Heels will have to worry about containing a red-hot Jimmy Clausen. The sophomore quarterback is coming off of two career games and will look to keep it going against the surging Tar Heels.

Clausen threw for a career-high 347 yards and three touchdowns Saturday against Stanford to propel the Irish to their second straight victory.

But a North Carolina secondary with a lot of momentum will stand in the way of Clausen and his receivers today. The Tar Heels are tops in the nation in interceptions with 12 this year led by safety Trimane Goddard's four.

The UNC offense loves to throw the ball as well. It has dangerous playmakers in Brandon Tate and Hakeem Nicks on the outside and if Cam Sexton can get the ball in their hands it could be a long day for the ND secondary.

UNC's ability to run the ball will also be critical. Sophomore tailback Shaun Draughn stepped into the featured role last week and delivered. He rushed for 109 yards and a score and he averaged 5.7 yards per carry.

North Carolina has given its opponents fits on special teams this year. First it was Brandon Tate emerging as a weapon in the return game. But last week Bruce Carter hardly gave Tate a chance as he blocked three punts against Connecticut.

Look for Clausen and the Irish to move the ball against the UNC defense in this one. But if Draughn can keep moving the chains the burden will be lessened on Sexton and his big-play receivers. A break or two on special teams could turn this one in UNC's favor.

The Bottom Line: North Carolina 31 Notre Dame 27.

—Compiled by Mike Ehrlich