Notre Dame football at Virginia: 3 Surprises in the Week 11 victory

Notre Dame football at Virginia: 3 Surprises in the Week 11 victory

The play of the offensive line

Early in the season, the expectation was that the offensive line would be a strength, even with four of five starters from 2020 going to the NFL. Jarrett Patterson was returning as one of the best centers in the country, and the addition of All-American Cain Madden from Marshall was supposed to solidify the offensive guard spot on the right side.

However, things went off the rails early on, as Blake Fisher, a true freshman who earned the starting left tackle job was injured against Florida State, and has not played since. The Irish also dealt with inconsistent play at left tackle and guard after the Fisher injury, and it was not until Joe Alt (LT) and Andrew Kristofic (LG) were inserted into the starting lineup that this offensive line started playing up to Notre Dame standards.

Notre Dame football at UVA: 3 Cavaliers who must be stopped in Week 11

The Notre Dame football team takes on Virginia on the road in Week 11, and here are three Cavaliers to keep an eye on in the matchup.

Since Alt and Kristofic were inserted into the starting lineup, the Irish have looked completely different on offense, and that trend continued Saturday night against Virginia. This is a group that is rounding into a strength for the Irish, and their play has made this offense one that can hurt you on the ground, and through the air.