Notre Dame Opponent Preview: Virginia Cavaliers Offense

September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Canaan Severin (9) is brought down by UCLA Bruins defensive back Marcus Rios (9) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers: 

I’ll start off by saying that 100 of the 238 yards that went through the air were produced by Mizzell, so these receivers only contributed 138 yards. The Cavaliers’ top receiver heading into the season was supposed to be North Carolina transfer T.J Thorpe, but he suffered a broken right collar bone. He’s expected to be sidelined for 10 weeks, which means he won’t be on the field against the Irish.

The Virginia receivers and tight ends combined for a total of 11 grabs against the Bruins, which would never be enough to beat one of the top defenses in the country. So if they come out Saturday with a similar performance, there’s a zero percent chance that the Cavaliers will be able to beat the Irish. Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes had a tough outing Saturday because his receivers were not capable of creating space against the Irish secondary. Cavaliers quarterback Matt Johns is going to suffer from the same situation if Virginia can’t come away with some big plays down the field.

Their top receiver, Canaan Severin, caught five passes for 58 yards against UCLA, and given their passing totals, Severin is a big part of that offense. If Notre Dame can take Severin away from Johns with solid coverage, Virginia will have to rely on Andre Levrone, who only caught 15 passes last season.

Next: Virginia Cavaliers Quarterback Matt Johns