Notre Dame football at Virginia: 3 things we learned in Week 11

Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with Fighting Irish running back Chris Tyree (25) against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sportsa
Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with Fighting Irish running back Chris Tyree (25) against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sportsa /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws a touchdown pass as Virginia Cavaliers inside linebacker Nick Jackson (6) chases during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws a touchdown pass as Virginia Cavaliers inside linebacker Nick Jackson (6) chases during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football at Virginia: 3 things we learned in Week 11

Jack Coan continues to play at a high level

We did not see much of Jack Coan after the Irish got out to a 28-3 lead in the second half, but when he helped build this lead and is playing elite-level football as of late. Coan is benefiting from the emergence of Kevin Austin Jr. down the stretch, as well as the big-play abilities of both true freshman Lorenzo Styles Jr., and junior Braden Lenzy.

Michael Mayer is one of the best tight ends in the country, and he put on a show in this one, giving Coan so many weapons to choose from in the passing game. When he came to Notre Dame from the Wisconsin football program, many talked about the way he protects the football and does not mistakes, which has certainly been the case since the loss to Cincinnati.

True freshman Tyler Buchner is the future at the position for the Irish, and we got to see a lot of him in the fourth quarter, but it is Coan that is going to lead this team to a potential CFP over the next few weeks. He has been better than expected for the Irish this season, providing stability to a position group that was in transition after the departure of Ian Book.