Notre Dame Football: Key Defensive Matchups vs. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech Receivers vs. Julian Love and Troy Pride

The Hokies are currently ranked seventh in yards per pass attempt. They should actually be ranked fifth because two of the teams ahead of them are triple option offenses that have not attempted many passes. Josh Jackson and Ryan Willis certainly deserve a fair share of the credit for that ranking, but their job is made easier by the players in their receiving core.

The standouts in the wide receiver group include Damon Hazelton, Eric Kumah, and Hezekiah Grimsley. Hazelton leads the team in the main receiving categories with 15 catches for 348 yards and four touchdowns. Kumah and Grimsley have combined for 24 catches, 378 yards, and a touchdown.

This trio of receivers has caught just under 60 percent of all passes thrown by Virginia Tech quarterbacks this season. They have accounted for 66 percent of the team’s receiving yards and 56 percent of the receiving touchdowns. Having these three playmakers in the passing game makes it easier to understand how the Hokies have been successful in the passing game in 2018.

The Hokies have also been able to create a handful of big plays throwing the ball. Including the three receivers I mentioned, seven players have caught a pass on a play that went for 20 yards or more. The longest was a 72 yard touchdown by Hazelton. I expect Ryan Willis to take a few deep shots on Saturday to loosen up the Notre Dame secondary.

Julian Love, Troy Pride, and the rest of the Irish secondary will have their hands full this Saturday as they try to slow down this Virginia Tech passing attack. If they can limit the big plays, they should be fine. If they can force the Hokies to put together long drives to score points, that will create more opportunities for the Notre Dame defensive line to create negative plays and potential turnovers.