Notre Dame Football: 3 Bold Predictions vs. Virginia
By Chase Eyrich
The run game remains missing
Notre Dame’s rushing attack has gone into hibernation for the time being. While it’s not ideal, it’s for a good reason.
Tony Jones Jr. currently stands as the lone practical running back. A sole player trying to hold down the grueling tasks that come with the position is less than ideal — it’s unsustainable.
The game plan for Georgia quickly removed the idea of a running attack and shifted heavily to what Ian Book could do with his arm.
The Irish rushed only 14 times vs. UGA for 46-yards totaling a mere 3.3 yards per attempt average.
Notre Dame has been forced into this position. Jahmir Smith remains questionable for this weekend, suffering from turf toe. The number one option — Jafar Armstrong — will continue to be sidelined with a torn abdomen.
Even with a fully healthy group, Notre Dame likely wouldn’t have tried too much harder to force a running game against the Bulldogs.
The same might not have been as true in preparations for this weekend. Virginia’s defense isn’t anywhere near the level of Georgia’s.
With the current situation, running the ball won’t be that prominent.
The threat this weekend comes from Virginia’s Charles Snowden.
Snowden was a huge reason why Virginia was able to complete the come-from-behind victory against Old Dominion. The linebacker outperformed every game he has played in a Cavaliers jersey with a 15-tackle, two-sack and 3.5-tackle for loss performance last Saturday. That netted him National Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Snowden’s talent should be concerning to Notre Dame. His ability to get to the pocket quickly forced a pick-six early in the game vs. Old Dominion, which looked to be one of the biggest turning points.
Notre Dame currently just doesn’t have the personnel to make something happen this week on the ground. Thankfully for the Irish, they may not need it.