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
Offensive Line
It’s not a secret that the Notre Dame offensive line went through a lot of issues this season. They had a lot of issues coming together and being effective. It’s difficult because when you think about most units on the offense, it only takes one player to make for an effective day. However, on the offensive line, the entire unit needs to be working together, in unison, or they fail as a unit. Throughout the season, the Irish offensive line has made great strides to get better and by this point, they’re an asset to the offense.
The Irish ran for 249 yards on the ground as a team. That’s a dominant day, and while you do have to credit the running backs like Kyren Williams for their ability to break big runs and break tackles, a lot of it was possible because of the offensive line play. Those holes that they create allow for Williams to get going and build up speed before first contact.
In the passing game, Coan struggles to feel pressure in the pocket at times. This can lead to him taking sacks he doesn’t need to take. That doesn’t help an offensive line that struggles at times. It’s also why the quick passing game, as well as using Buchner as a change of pace, are so important to the Irish offense. Ultimately, even though Virginia did get some pressure up the middle at times, they never were able to record a sack. It was a great day for this line.
Grade= A-