Notre Dame football: Ranking the Irish's 2021 schedule game-by-game

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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 28: Alohi Gilman #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish intercepts a pass intended for Hasise Dubois #8 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 28, 2019, in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: Ranking the Irish’s 2021 schedule by entertainment value

No. 9: Virginia, Week 11

Virginia is a tricky team to place. They always have some talent, and they’re pretty well-coached, but their access to talent is limited to an extent. This is a school that puts more emphasis on many other state schools while being traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors for the region’s top recruits.

This means that, while capable, Notre Dame should always be the more talented team and a projected favorite. The Cavaliers are rarely a top-25 team too, so this game won’t look any better on paper when it happens.

Add a lack of tradition between the two, and you have a game that could be exciting, but doesn’t promise anything like that.

The Cavaliers will bring an offense that rarely takes losses, even if they’re not outstanding at any one thing. This consistency can make them tough, and frustrate defenses into mistakes at times. Meanwhile, quarterback Brennan Armstrong will be in the top half of quarterbacks that Notre Dame faces off against in 2021.

On defense, Virginia was fine against the run and awful against the pass. That could frustrate the strengths of Notre Dame’s offense.

By week 11, we’ll see where both teams are at, but as of now, it seems like Notre Dame is a clear favorite in what should be around a 10-point win. It could be closer, though, and there is a chance for an exciting, close matchup.

Notre Dame leads the all-time series 3-0. They last met in 2019, when the Irish won 35-20.

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