Holtz impressed with UNC

Lou Holtz said it didn't matter whether Notre Dame was 11-0 or 0-11.

Regardless of the record, former Notre Dame coach Holtz said opposing teams and fans always were highly motivated when the Irish played a road game. Notre Dame plays at North Carolina on Saturday against a Tar Heel team ranked No. 22 in the nation.

Both teams are 4-1.

(Notre Dame actually has never been 0-11 in football, but Holtz was trying to make a point). 

"North Carolina has really impressed me this year," said Holtz, who now works as an ESPN analyst. "I think Butch Davis has done an excellent job. They're playing very physical. Despite losing their quarterback, to lose T.J. Yates [hurt], but they have [Cameron] Sexton playing so well. It should be a fine game."

Holtz said that Notre Dame eventually will return to elite status in college football after going 3-9 last season. But Holtz said the current team is good, but not great. That won't stop North Carolina from considering this a marquee win if it manages to defeat the Irish.

But Holtz predicted that Notre Dame will be motivated, too.

"As motivating as it is to play against Notre Dame, I found it was even more motivating to play for Notre Dame," he said.