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Notre Dame football: Most exciting 21 moments from the 2021 season

By Brad Weiss

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 01: A closeup of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cowboys defeated the Fighting Irish 37-35. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 01: A closeup of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cowboys defeated the Fighting Irish 37-35. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Jay Woolfolk (16) scrambles from Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Nana Osafo-Mensah (31) during the second quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Jay Woolfolk (16) scrambles from Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Nana Osafo-Mensah (31) during the second quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football: Most exciting 21 moments from the 2021 season

No. 20: Irish defense stifles Virginia

Going into their matchup against Virginia, the Irish had no idea whether or not the Cavaliers would have their star quarterback, Brennan Armstrong available. Armstrong, who was leading the FBS in passing yards at the time, was dealing with broken ribs, and in his place, Jay Woolfork became the first Virginia true freshman to start at quarterback since 1977.

It was clear early on that the Cavaliers had no chance in this game, as the Irish defense stifled Woolfolk all game long, leading to two interceptions. Notre Dame’s defense was flying all over the field, sacking Woolfolk seven times, getting eight tackles for a loss, and was really never in any danger against the Virginia offense.

If Armstrong had played, this would have been a much better game, but the Irish were also playing defense at a very high level going into this matchup. In fact, this game was the second of a three-game stretch where they did not allow a single touchdown, as the Irish established themselves as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender in the process.

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