Game balls: These five go to the standouts from the 45-32 win over North Carolina
On a day that provided plenty to choose from in an impressive 45-32 Notre Dame win over North Carolina, these were the Irish who stood out in the 25th straight regular-season win over ACC teams.
THE IRISH OFFENSIVE LINE
In a get-well game for a unit that dragged an Irish ground attack down to a No. 101 national ranking in rushing offense at 117.7 yards through its first three games, this group excelled Saturday.
Notre Dame finished with 287 total rushing yards on 51 carries, 3 touchdowns and a 5.6-yard per-carry average.
The Irish offensive line also held North Carolina to only 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries.
QUARTERBACK DREW PYNE
Making his second career start, the Irish junior quarterback played well, spread the ball around and showed much promise for Notre Dame fans to be excited about.
Pyne finished 24-of-34 passing for 289 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions.
At one point from late in the first quarter to early in the third, Pyne led the Irish on six straight scoring drives, with 5 touchdowns and 1 field goal.
RUNNING BACK AUDRIC ESTIME
Living up to his bruising but nimble reputation, the Irish sophomore at times in the second half became a one-man offensive show.
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Estime finished with 134 rushing yards on 17 carries, including 2 touchdowns and 7.9-yard per-carry average.
TIGHT END MICHAEL MAYER
A familiar name on this list, the Irish junior tight end quietly led Notre Dame with 7 catches for 88 yards with 1 touchdown.
Mayer’s work was especially critical in the first half when the Irish found themselves in what looked to be a dogfight.
Mayer’s 10-yard TD grab in the first quarter tied the game 7-7.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE RYLIE MILLS
The Irish junior paced an Irish defense that held the high-powered Tar Heels offense to 367 total yards (180 below its season average) and 32 points (19 below its average).
Mills finished with 5 tackles, including 2.5 for loss with 2.0 sacks.
