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Notre Dame Football: Virginia Tech’s Quarterback Situation Could Be A Game-Changer

By J.P. Scott

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 07: Josh Jackson #17 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks on during the game against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 07: Josh Jackson #17 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks on during the game against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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Virginia Tech quarterback Josh Jackson may not be on the field when Notre Dame football travels to Blacksburg to face the Hokies.

All season long, we here at Slap The Sign have touted the 2018 Notre Dame football game against Virginia Tech as one of the most difficult matchups on the upcoming schedule.

That could soon change drastically.

Some extremely vague news surround Virginia Tech quarterback Josh Jackson, his academic performance and his subsequent athletic eligibility continues to leak out. Everyone close to the situation seems to be keeping most of the pertinent information close to the chest, but the word “eligibility” is popping up everywhere.

On one hand, you don’t want to celebrate this news as an Irish fan. We’ve seen our own academic issues recently, and these can be issues that go far beyond the playing fields and impact the lives of young men and women permanently.

On the other hand, if Jackson is not available when the Irish and Hokies square off in October, that alone could be enough to push Notre Dame over the top as the favorite in the matchup — even on the road — in what was thought to be the toughest road game for the Irish in 2018.

Jackson’s Impact

Josh Jackson emerged as one of the more dangerous and dynamic players in the ACC in 2017 and was a huge reason why the Hokies spent a good chunk of the first two months of last season hovering around the College Football Playoff conversation.

Jackson completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 2,743 yard, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2017. He also added 274 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

If he’s not on the field on Oct. 6, the Hokies are likely looking at starting redshirt freshmen Hendon Hooker or Kansas transfer Ryan Willis under center. Hooker has obviously never thrown a pass in a college game, while Willis threw 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions during his two years at Kansas.

Next: Notre Dame Football Records Could Fall in 2018

Josh Jackson’s status has the potential to impact Notre Dame’s 2018 outlook, the ACC title race and the College Football Playoff.

We’ll have more on the story as it develops.

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