Notre Dame football vs. Virginia: Offensive Grades for 2021 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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9a972b175f6584c5f0b7a738fdca63c8f6f2064b29e44d38ba5bf09499692b1c.jpg)
Notre Dame football vs. Virginia: Offensive Grades for 2021 Week 11
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
After a few weeks of forgettable performances, Michael Mayer dominated against Virginia. He averaged 12 yards per catch for 7 catches and a score. It was clear the Cavaliers had no answer in the secondary to cover Mayer with, and he probably should have received more touches than he did on the day.
Across the board for the wide receivers, the numbers weren’t great. That’s partially because Coan struggled to push the ball downfield, and partially because the offense was looking to run the ball a lot. Still, Kevin Austin and Braden Lenzy found the endzone, connecting with Coan for touchdown receptions. The Lenzy touchdown came on a well-designed screen pass where he had to dive for the endzone over a pile of defenders. The Austin touchdown came on a throw to the back corner of the endzone that he caught over his shoulder. Lenzy also had a long run on a reverse play.
In the wake of Avery Davis’ injury, there is going to need to be someone who steps up and takes his place. That’s going to be a young player and a lot of the freshmen on the roster have shown potential here. Lorenzo Styles, in particular, can stretch the field for the offense in a way that Lenzy was expected to, but never really has.
Grade= B+