Published October 3, 2026 · By the Goalorithm model desk
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Game report
In college football on Saturday, October 3, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat the North Carolina Tar Heels 37-26. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish gained 475 yards, including 241 on the ground, while the North Carolina Tar Heels finished with 285 total yards and 77 rushing yards.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish protected the ball, with no turnovers, while the North Carolina Tar Heels had 2. The Tar Heels also got a touchdown on a kick return from Jaden Jefferson, but the Fighting Irish came away with the win.
The numbers
The North Carolina Tar Heels had 285 total yards, 208 net passing yards and 77 rushing yards. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish had 475 total yards, 234 net passing yards and 241 rushing yards.
The Tar Heels recorded 18 first downs, held possession for 22:56 and converted 50% of their third downs. The Fighting Irish recorded 26 first downs, held possession for 37:04 and converted 36.4% of their third downs.
The North Carolina Tar Heels finished with 2 turnovers; the Notre Dame Fighting Irish had 0. The Fighting Irish won by 11 points.