No. 8 Notre Dame (8-1) is looking for another statement victory to keep its playoff aspirations alive on Saturday, playing host to the Virginia Cavaliers (5-4) on Senior Day in South Bend. Saturday’s game marks the fifth meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame is 4-0 all-time against Virginia, including a 28-3 decision on the road in 2021. Virginia is 1-1 this season against Top 25 teams and 2-3 against ranked opponents under head coach Tony Elliott.
The Fighting Irish enter Saturday’s game off a 52-3 thrashing of Florida State. The blowout win marked any FBS team’s largest margin of victory last weekend. It was the largest margin of defeat Florida State has suffered this season. Virginia comes into Saturday’s clash off a 24-19 win over then-ranked No. 23 Pittsburgh and owns three road wins this year, the team’s highest total since 2011.
“Wins don’t last long around here, so we have to get ready for a really good Virginia team,” said Irish head coach Marcus Freeman in his weekly press conference. “Coach Elliott has his team playing at a high level, playing with confidence. They are competitive. They have been up in every game they’ve played this season. They had a huge win last week versus Pittsburgh. They are a talented bunch, and they are playing with confidence and physicality. So, we’re expecting their best on Saturday at Notre Stadium on Senior Day.”
Another Must-Win Game For Notre Dame
The Irish cannot afford another stumble after losing to Northern Illinois in Week 2. Virginia, on the other hand, would like to end the four-game losing streak to Notre Dame and secure a sixth win this season to become bowl-eligible.
The high-powered, run-first Irish offense should be able to exploit a weak Virginia passing defense. The Cavaliers rank 118th out of 134 teams in passing yards allowed (262.9) this season. Look for quarterback Riley Leonard to find his talented wideouts, led by Beaux Collins and Jaden Greathouse, to create big plays and put points on the board through the air. Collins is the Irish’s leading receiver. He has caught 29 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns. Greathouse has caught 23 passes for 310 yards and a touchdown. Virginia’s best hope on defense is containing Collins and Greathouse.
Leonard has completed 145-of-225 passing attempts (64.4%) for 1,575 yards this season. He has thrown nine touchdowns to three interceptions. Leonard continues to be a threat on the ground. He is the Irish’s leading rusher with 609 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.
While Notre Dame should be effective through the air—at least enough to keep the defense honest—Virginia is likely to see a heavy dose of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Love has gained 583 yards with 10 touchdowns and has scored in every game this season. Love also boasts 17 receptions for 160 receiving yards and a touchdown. Price has amassed 443 yards rushing yards and scored four touchdowns.
A Glimpse at Virginia’s Offense
Virginia’s pedestrian offense faces a daunting challenge against Notre Dame’s stout and stubborn defense that allows a mere 11 points per game (7th in the FBS). The Cavaliers struggle to move the ball and generate explosive plays. That difficulty will be magnified by the Irish’s ability to stifle opposing offenses. Expect Notre Dame’s defensive line to apply constant pressure, while the secondary should limit big plays and force turnovers.
Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea has thrown for 1,948 yards this season. He has 13 touchdowns but has also thrown eight interceptions. In last week’s win over Pittsburgh, Colandrea went 16-of-24 for 143 yards. He threw one touchdown and a pair of interceptions. A dual-threat quarterback, Colandrea also carried the ball 14 times for 40 yards against Pittsburgh. In a 24-20 loss against Louisville, Colandrea gained 84 yards on 15 carries. So far this season he has rushed for 259 yards with two rushing touchdowns. Kobe Pace leads the rushing attack for the Cavaliers. Pace has gained 442 yards and scored three touchdowns. Xavier Brown has 436 yards and a touchdown.
Notre Dame Needs a Fast Start on Senior Day
A win by Notre Dame on Saturday would give the Irish a sweep of its four ACC opponents this season. While it is possible that Notre Dame could host a playoff game, Saturday’s contest is the regular-season home finale. The Irish must avoid a slow start against Virginia. Freeman’s squad started slowly against Miami (Ohio) and Stanford, playing from behind in both games before running away late.
Notre Dame’s season hinges on its ability to seize the initiative early against Virginia. A slow start could leave the Irish vulnerable for another upset. A loss in this spot would be disastrous for Notre Dame’s playoff aspirations. If Notre Dame can effectively combine its offensive firepower with another strong defensive effort, the Irish should be able to secure a decisive victory. As Notre Dame honors its 29 seniors in their final regular-season home game, the Irish are well-positioned to dominate the Cavaliers. It would be a fitting victory, sending Notre Dame’s departing seniors off with a memorable win.
