Notre Dame Football: Jamir Jones was Unsung Hero vs. Virginia
By Carlee North
Jamir Jones stepped up in a big way for Notre Dame football against Virginia.
The game against Virginia was one that a lot of people thought might be a “trap” game for Notre Dame football after a very physical game the week before against Georgia. The notion of trying to “get up” for a Virginia team just like they did for Georgia was the biggest question mark going into Saturday’s matchup.
The offense was once again way too inconsistent, while the defense stepped up and took over this game. In the end Notre Dame ran away with the game 35-20 and moved to 3-1 against what was the No. 18 team in the country.
As I mentioned, the defense played absolutely lights out in the second half and hands down won the game for the Irish. The defensive line played by far its best game yet and it wasn’t even close.
They stacked together eight total sacks and five turnovers on the day, which also led to 28 of the 35 points for Notre Dame. Just absolute domination by the front line.
One guy in particular stepped up big when his name was called to come in after an early injury to Daelin Hayes in the first quarter. He made his presence known for what was only his second appearance of the season.
The unsung hero of the game was Jamir Jones.
Jamir Jones’ stats don’t necessarily show how big of an impact he provided with one sack and one tackle for loss. Jones had absolutely the play of the game when it seemed like Virginia had all the momentum early in the 3rd quarter, when he came off the edge with ease and forced a fumble that Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa snagged out of mid-air and returned inside the 5-yard line — leading to the Irish offense scoring 2-plays later and taking the lead back.
After that, the game was all Notre Dame and was never in doubt. I’d definitely say that was Jamir Jones’ best game of his career. He brought a lot of fire to the team throughout the day and was very consistent on getting good push and power off the edge.
It wasn’t officially announced by Kelly, but all signs had pointed to Jamir Jones trying to redshirt this season so he would be the main guy next year off the edge as the leader of the group. But with an unexpected injury to Hayes, he just had to play and was forced to use his second of four games for the “redshirt rule”.
Next. Okwara was defensive player of the game. dark
He now has two more games he’s eligible to play in before he would burn his red shirt, but it looks like he’s going to need to be a factor all season with the injury to Hayes.