The Irish have their toughest test on the remains schedule Saturday night, as they travel to Scott Stadium to take on the Cavaliers of Virginia. They boast one of the best offenses in the country, so the Irish will have to score plenty of points to go back to South Bend with a win. Here are five keys for Notre Dame to get a win in Charlottesville.
Run the ball
Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams (23) runs past Navy safety Rayuan Lane (18) for a 20-yard touchdown run in the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
We can literally use this key every week, even though the majority of teams have move on to a more passing happy offense, controlling the clock along with physically beating teams up is still a recipe for success. Recently, the Irish have found cohesion along the offensive line and Kyren Williams has returned to his form from last year. If Williams is able to go for over 150-yards, and his backups add in another 50, the Irish should be stilling pretty.
Containing Brennan Armstrong
Oct 30, 2021; Provo, Utah, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Brennan Armstrong (5) looks to pass against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
We all know at this point that Armstrong will be a game time decision, but if there’s any chance that the lefty can play, he’s going to be out there. He hold a 177.6 quarterback rating against Top-25 competition, so Armstrong rises to the occasion. Against BYU two weeks ago, he accounted for 337-yards through the air and 4 scores with 94-yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. If the Irish defense have to face Armstrong and are able to keep him contained, Notre Dame significantly increases their chance to win.
Force UVA into turnovers
Story continues
Notre Dame…
..
