Notre Dame Football: What is the biggest potential trap game in 2019?

It’s May, but it’s never too early to take a deep dive into Notre Dame football’s schedule. Where is the potential trap game in 2019?

When it comes to pinpointing the biggest potential trap game for Notre Dame football, I had a difficult time.

The good news is that the Irish have three marquee games on their schedule, but those marquee games–Georgia on September 21st, Michigan on October 26th, and Stanford on November 30th–are spread throughout the schedule. The bad news, though, is that all three of those games are on the road.

Aside from those three games, there isn’t a lot to be scared about when it comes to the Irish schedule–at least at first glance. Excluding the “big three,” It’s hard to imagine that the Irish will have any type of struggle with opponents like Louisville, New Mexico, Virginia, Bowling Green, Navy, or Boston College.

Without a doubt, though, the Irish have one trap game that sticks out above the rest: At home against Virginia Tech on November 2nd. Here’s why:

First of all, this is the week right after the Irish play against Michigan. However that game goes between the Irish and the Wolverines, it would be logical for Notre Dame to have somewhat of an emotional letdown.

Next, Virginia Tech, like many of Notre Dame’s opponents in 2019, has a bye week the week before traveling to Notre Dame. While Notre Dame is tangoing with Michigan in Ann Arbor, Virginia Tech will be at home with ice on their joints, watching on the couch.

Finally, there’s perhaps the most important aspect of the trap game: Revenge. Notre Dame went down to Blacksburg last season and (eventually) dismantled Virginia Tech. After a close first half that saw the Irish take a 17-16 lead into the break, Notre Dame ran away with the game in the second half, outscoring the Hokies 28-7 and winning the game 45-23.

Without a doubt, the Hokies will be out for blood in 2018 and if the Irish aren’t on their game following what figures to be a highly-emotional game the week before, things could get ugly for Notre Dame.