Notre Dame Football: Three bold predictions vs. Virginia Tech
By Chase Eyrich
The offense will have 300+ yards in the air
It’s hard to imagine after Book threw for only 73 yards and 32-percent last weekend, especially when his backup Phil Jurkovec threw for 60 yards on only three completions.
It was far from the offensive performance that Irish fans expected, with only 180 total yards. This weekend should be completely different.
Despite the opponent, Notre Dame’s offense should be completely frustrated and ready to take it out on Virginia Tech this weekend.
Brian Kelly has already stated that Book is his guy and will be the starter, but the question was there — not only by the fans — but from the press as well. Should Book be the starter after he let the game get to a point where Jurkovec had to step in?
That enough should be a wake-up call and put Book’s status on notice this weekend. From someone who has played well with his back against the wall before, it wouldn’t be a shock if Book came and showed out this weekend.
It’s a perfect opportunity. The Hokies allow 251 yards in the air and 29.6 points per game. Those numbers come from opponents all out of the top 25. The Irish on the other hand average just under that with 244 yards per game, but average 35.6 points per game.
Virginia Tech’s defense is nowhere near that of Michigan’s. The Irish could rip through the Hokies secondary if their confidence aligns.
While Notre Dame is hopeful for Tony Jones Jr., who was injured during the Michigan game and an x-ray came back negative, he is suffering from sore ribs. That could limit or even eliminate his touches this weekend.
Without Jones, Notre Dame would move to their former No. 1 back, Jafar Armstrong, who has been extremely quiet since his return.
The run game could likely take a hit this weekend, adding just one more reason why the Irish could dominate in the air.