ISD Game Predictions: Virginia Tech

It’s that time again.  The Irish will try to bounce back after a horrible performance in Ann Arbor last week as they take on the Hokies in Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday.  Virginia Tech has had an up and down season thus far, but lately they’ve been playing much better with a change at quarterback.  What can we expect from the Irish this week?

Mike Frank

I guess we’re back at this point again…  

Flip a coin.  That’s about as much insight as I have into the Irish mindset and team at this point.  Yes, they’ll talk a good game.  Yes, we will hear about all the things that were addressed this week.  Yes, all the “inside scoop” this week is about a team motivated to prove that is not who they are.  

Put up or shut up time for the Irish.  They need to find some real leadership quick amongst the team or this will be another long day for Notre Dame.

The good news is Virginia Tech doesn’t have a dominant defense.  The bad news is they can score, and Notre Dame will have to score some points as well to win.

Flip a coin.  I don’t know which team is coming out to play on Saturday, or if they even know.  

Notre Dame 29  Virginia Tech 23

Christian McCollum

I keep waiting for the Irish offense to truly click once and for all, but by now I’m not sure that is going to happen again this year unless Notre Dame is somehow finds a way to draw a rematch with Bowling Green come bowl season

At times against the Hokies, the Irish will show the potential of a potent offense and they’ll score points, but it’ll be the defense that puts them in position to score a pair of touchdowns. Clark Lea’s unit, led by safeties Alohi Gilman and Kyle Hamilton, will also keep Notre Dame in control of this one from the start, surrendering a meaningless touchdown in the final minutes to give Virginia Tech the “backdoor cover.”

Ian Book doesn’t do enough to quiet the naysayers, but does enough to win, throwing for a pair of touchdown passes, one to Chase Claypool and one to Chris Finke. Jafar Armstrong paces the ground game while Jahmir Smith flashes late.

Notre Dame 34  Virginia Tech 21 

Matt Freeman

As expected, Notre Dame starts slow as the fans have turned on this Irish team and provides no support when it comes to a home field advantage. 

Notre Dame’s lack of an atmosphere by the fans and those running the game day inside the stadium let the Hokies hang around until the fourth quarter. 

But, the Irish lean on themselves and get the win as Kyle Hamilton secures another game-sealing pick.

Notre Dame 24  Virginia Tech 13

Jamie Uyeyama 

I don't trust Notre Dame's offense to do much against a good defense, but Virginia Tech's has been below average in yards per play against the four ACC opponents they have played. This is not a vintage Bud Foster group he's working with and I do think Notre Dame will be able to put points on the board.

On offense, they are better than their overall statistics would suggest with Hendon Hooker at quarterback. They are going to force Clark Lea's defense to stay disciplined and I do think we'll see a bounce back in that department this week.

The residue from Michigan might make for a slow start for the Irish, but I see them eventually pulling away from the Hokies.

Notre Dame 35  Virginia Tech 21