Week 6 Preview: Notre Dame at Virginia Tech

In what could be a season defining game, Notre Dame heads to Virginia Tech to battle the Hokies at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm E.T.

This game will either put a team on the right path or totally derail their season. The last time the Irish met the Hokies in a game like this, Ian Book led them to a comeback that changed the course of their season and the season that followed.

The Irish are hoping for a similar situation this time, while the Hokies are hoping to change their fortune with a big win here.

Why Virginia Tech Will Win

Braxton Burmeister is coming into his own and is showing he is a bit more than just a game manager. I would say he has elite athleticism and can run and throw, while managing the game well. I think this duel threat can go a long way to stretching out the Notre Dame defense and make them tired to give up some big plays as they did against Cincinnati.

The Virginia Tech defense has exceeded expectations so far, and defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton is showing elements of the old Bud Foster defense. They play a version of Foster’s 4-2-5 defense and this has been successful this year outside of that tough game against West Virginia who seemed to find a lot of success spreading the defense out.

Tre Turner and Tayvion Robinson are the big play threats for the Hokies who are quick and explosive and may hurt that backend of the Irish defense.

If Virginia Tech can start fast, control the time of possession by bleeding down the play-clock while still extending drives, and make Notre Dame on dimensional on offense they should pull out the win.

Why Notre Dame Will Win

Drew Pyne. End of column.

But seriously, I think Notre Dame needs to make a QB change to make this a successful season. Jack Coan would be great for other Irish teams with elite QB play but this team doesn’t have that. They need a mobile QB that can get out of the pocket and make plays either win their feet or pushing the ball the athletes to make plays.

The Offensive line may not get fixed this year so Notre Dame has to do what it can to protect their QB with two rb sets and two tight end sets. What would also help is if their WRs can not drop balls like they have done on the last two weeks.

Notre Dame should win if they can force Virginia Tech to play from behind, speeding up the offense and forcing the game onto Braxton Burmeister’s arm. They will also have to keep a balanced approached to their offense and figure out the running game.

What Will Happen

I think Notre Dame has a more complete offensive game to match their defense and pulls away in the second half for a much needed victory.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31- Virginia Tech 21

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