Notre Dame Opponent Preview: Virginia Cavaliers Offense

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Nov 2, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers offensive players line up against Clemson Tigers defensive players in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. The Tigers won 59-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line:

The big news over the week here is that the Cavaliers’ offensive line is going to be a bit thinner than it already was. Second string center Eric Tetlow and redshirt freshman right tackle Jay Fieler are out for the season with injuries still unknown.

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This offensive line isn’t as young as Texas’s line. They’re led by senior right guard Ross Burbank, who is one of the team’s captains. He was also on Phil Steele’s third-team All-American preseason team. Surrounding him are upperclassmen, which gives the offensive coaching staff the confidence in running a high-octane offense, although they didn’t much of it last weekend.

Michael Moore mans the left tackle position. He appeared in 11 of 12 games and started nine for the Cavaliers. In his collegiate debut, he played against UCLA’s defense and didn’t allow a sack. At left guard, Jack McDonald is a new-time starter. He played significant minutes last season but only on special teams. While he isn’t a freshman, his still getting used to being a starter, so Notre Dame might try to test him. Center Jackson Matteo is coming back from a broken foot and only played in five games. Right tackle Eric Fisher is the only guy on the line aside from Burbank who played all games last season. He was also on Steele’s third-team All-American team.

They only allowed a single sack against UCLA and defensive stud Myles Jack, so they may not be the easiest group to get through to.

Next: Virginia Cavaliers Running Backs

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