Notre Dame Opponent Preview: Virginia Cavaliers Offense

September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Taquan Mizzell (4) runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs:

This group was anything but impressive against UCLA. On 28 carries between starter  Taquan Mizzell and backup Albert Reid, the group gained just 76 averaging 2.8 and 2.6 yards per carry, respectively. Mizzell was a backup to Kevin Parks last season and only received 64 carries on the year. However, he was the second leading receiver on the team hauling in 39 catches for 271 yards.

Last week, Mizzell didn’t excel on the ground but did well in the passing attack. He caught eight passes for 100 yards and a score. Reid, on the other hand, failed to do much on the ground or the air. He caught one pass for five yards and rushed for just 31 yards. I would say that Texas’s running back, Jonathan Gray is a much better back than anyone Virginia has in their backfield, and Notre Dame held Gray to just 40 yards. I don’t expect any of these guys to make much of an impact.

Next: Virginia Cavaliers Wide Receivers