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Notre Dame Football

Game Thread | No. 14 Notre Dame at Virginia Tech

October 9, 2021
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No. 14 Notre Dame (4-1) at Virginia Tech (3-1) 

Lane Stadium | 7:30 p.m. ET | ACC Network | Virginia Tech -0.5 | O/U: 47

Game Week Articles | Roster| Depth Chart Schedule | Predictions


Enter QB1 

All eyes will be on Notre Dame’s quarterback position as Brian Kelly hasn’t publicly announced a starter for Saturday night’s game at Virginia Tech. 

Jack Coan provides experience and the deep ball, while Drew Pyne gives the Irish offense more mobility and has been a boost of energy off the bench. That said, no matter who starts at quarterback, the Notre Dame offensive line needs to build off last weekend’s second half performance. It wasn't perfect, but there were signs of life from Jeff Quinn's unit. 

If the Irish can't find a running game in Blacksburg, it could be an interesting night as most of the season has been. Finding a run is critical for Notre Dame and they'll have a chance to make a statement as the Irish have their backs against the wall. 


Five Players To Watch

Notre Dame DE Isaiah Foskey
Virginia Tech has some questions at the tackle spot and this could be an opportunity for Foskey to once again feast as a pass rusher.

Virginia Tech WR Tre Turner
His numbers are down this year, but he's a monster on contested catches. This shouldn't be a situation where he is single covered very often.

Notre Dame's QB1
Will it be Coan? Will it be Pyne? It sounds like Coan might get the nod because of experience. If the offense isn't better, the coaching staff is going to be under a lot of heat no matter who the pick is.

Virginia Tech LB Dax Hollifield
If Notre Dame's backs get too caught up trying to help the offensive line this week, Hollifield is going to be a problem. He's a very good blitzer with three sacks on the season.

Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer
He's not going to be 100% for this game, but is expected to play. If he's not making an impact, that puts a lot of pressure on Notre Dame's receivers to step up. Mayer has more than double the amount of receptions than the second-leading receiver on the team.


Quotes of the Week

Notre Dame RB Chris Tyree: 
One thing learned from the game this past week was our love for each other and love for the game," said Tyree. "I think that coming out in the second half, we showed a lot of resilience, a lot of fight and just being able to build off of that for the rest of the season is what we're looking forward to."

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly on Marcus Freeman:
"He's got a great relationship with his players. Anytime a new coach comes in, I think it's about developing relationships, which he began that process in the spring and continues to build that throughout the season. 

"It's about consistency, relationships, trust and our process and delivering it consistently on a week-to-week basis. 

"I sit in all of the team meetings on defense and I get a chance to listen to him talk to the entire unit. He's on point. There's a good rapport. There's great camaraderie and really good morale. We're still building. We're at about the halfway point of year one with Marcus Freeman leading this defense. Stay tuned. There's going to be some good stuff to follow." 

Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente:
“The thing I took away from the Cincinnati game with Notre Dame is that every inch, every piece of turf is going to be hard-fought for. It’s going to be really difficult. Four yards is a big deal. We have to be emotionally prepared for that sort of game.”


For Your Nerves 

TEAM STATS Notre Dame Virginia Tech
Points Per Game 30.8 23.5
Points Allowed Per Game 23.4 15.3
Total Yards 362.4 331.5
Yards Passing 280.4 190.8
Yards Rushing 82.0 140.8
Yards Allowed 370.2 326.5
Pass Yards Allowed 247.0 190.3
Rush Yards Allowed  123.2 136.3

Game Thread | No. 14 Notre Dame at Virginia Tech

161,378 Views | 1615 Replies | Last: 2 yr ago by RICHK429
jjh041758
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And that was ALL on freeman and his dollar defense scheme. There were no missed tackles or coverages.
Wiggs4Irish
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Is the stage too big for Marcus? Seems to be overthinking things. Again.
GulfCoastIrish
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aTm giving Bama some aTm
theoriginalndmom
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Does anyone have Brian Kelly's email address? Back in the day I emailed Davie Kevin White, willingham and tried to email Weis, but his mailbox was always full. The only who ever replied was Kevin White and he pretty much told me he was going to fire Davie. I really need to have a word with Kelly.?;
irishtex
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IrishFanWilm said:

Looking at stats…. How does JC have a 206 rating ?
Not so great on a scale of 2,000
BlueGraySky
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Hrothgar said:

BlueGraySky said:

Hrothgar said:

Dillon1986 said:

Hrothgar said:

Dillon1986 said:

Hrothgar said:

Buchner's package is growing.


Right in front of our eyes?


Indeed


One bourbon and a tight football game and I turn into a 15 year old again
I've got a case of Natural Light, and a big box of wine.

If this ain't livin, I don't want to know...



You got me there.

I'm eating toast and Kraft cheese.


7.73 trimmed brisket on apple wood and dry rub.

14 hour smoke
Read more, post less
teton75
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This is where I'd kill for Lea and his masterful second half adjustments.
BridgestoneAC
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Seriously NDMAX?

SMMFH
GulfCoastIrish
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theoriginalndmom said:

Does anyone have Brian Kelly's email address? Back in the day I emailed David, Kevin White, willingham and tried to email Weis, but his mailbox was always full. The only who ever replied was Kevin White and he pretty much told me he was going to fire Davie. I really need to have a word with Kelly.?;


I'm headed over to his house.

Spes knows where he lives.
Ethereum21
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This x 1000
NYNDBLUE
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Freeman seems like a guy who has a system and is going to run it no matter the personnel that he has.

However the way he's recruiting, we will likely see a strong defense in coming years.
irish angst
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theoriginalndmom said:

Does anyone have Brian Kelly's email address? Back in the day I emailed David, Kevin White, willingham and tried to email Weis, but his mailbox was always full. The only who ever replied was Kevin White and he pretty much told me he was going to fire Davie. I really need to have a word with Kelly.?;
Email the damned Stanford law grifting athletic director while you are at it.
tommynacc
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I was fortunate to get to know Joe Gibbs some years ago. I once asked him, "Why? Why? Why? do you guys use that stupid prevent defense when it does anything but!?!?" His answer, giggling: "I couldn't agree more! I guess that's why I'm such a sucker for it!"
mattfreeman
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Staff
Mike Frank said:

mattfreeman said:

Don't love the prevent defense, but it's smart. Notre Dame's DBs just aren't great. Can't hide them.

Gotta figure out something there on the bye week.
THat is NOT smart. No, it's NOT smart.

Stop defending him. Every week it's the same thing.

Mike
So if he blitzed the hell out of VT and they got burnt for a 75-yard TD..that's smart? Disagree.

VT's kicker is 1-for-3 on the year and missed 2 inside 40.

You're right, the FG shouldn't happen, but you're seeing the recruiting misses at DB get exposed in those situations.
Sweetlou88
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No argument on Lea vs. Freeman. Lea is much better. Freeman's D is more disruptive but also can't be counted on in big situations.
tvanp63
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Thank you Mike! Tired of people trying to defend that "prevent".
NDMax
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BridgestoneAC said:

Seriously NDMAX?

SMMFH
gotta start some rumors....

hahaha.
ndsean44
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Mike Frank said:

mattfreeman said:

Don't love the prevent defense, but it's smart. Notre Dame's DBs just aren't great. Can't hide them.

Gotta figure out something there on the bye week.
THat is NOT smart. No, it's NOT smart.

Stop defending him. Every week it's the same thing.

Mike
Couldn't agree more Mike.

You shouldn't be in a position where you're afraid VT will burn you. They haven't burned anyone.

Not to mention, it doesn't work. They tried the prevent garbage last week and they still gave up 6.
RyanMcD
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mattfreeman said:

Mike Frank said:

mattfreeman said:

Don't love the prevent defense, but it's smart. Notre Dame's DBs just aren't great. Can't hide them.

Gotta figure out something there on the bye week.
THat is NOT smart. No, it's NOT smart.

Stop defending him. Every week it's the same thing.

Mike
So if he blitzed the hell out of VT and they got burnt for a 75-yard TD..that's smart? Disagree.

VT's kicker is 1-for-3 on the year and missed 2 inside 40.

You're right, the FG shouldn't happen, but you're seeing the recruiting misses at DB get exposed in those situations.

Stop with the straw man argument.
pbrad28
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GulfCoastIrish said:

theoriginalndmom said:

Does anyone have Brian Kelly's email address? Back in the day I emailed David, Kevin White, willingham and tried to email Weis, but his mailbox was always full. The only who ever replied was Kevin White and he pretty much told me he was going to fire Davie. I really need to have a word with Kelly.?;


I'm headed over to his house.

Spes knows where he lives.


I don't think he's home right now
MAS
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I am going to give Freeman a little time to get his guys in.
GulfCoastIrish
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RyanMcD said:

mattfreeman said:

Mike Frank said:

mattfreeman said:

Don't love the prevent defense, but it's smart. Notre Dame's DBs just aren't great. Can't hide them.

Gotta figure out something there on the bye week.
THat is NOT smart. No, it's NOT smart.

Stop defending him. Every week it's the same thing.

Mike
So if he blitzed the hell out of VT and they got burnt for a 75-yard TD..that's smart? Disagree.

VT's kicker is 1-for-3 on the year and missed 2 inside 40.

You're right, the FG shouldn't happen, but you're seeing the recruiting misses at DB get exposed in those situations.

Stop with the straw man argument.


Mattman knows doubling down.

That's his move.
Sweetlou88
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Speaking of second half adjustments.....I worry that VT is the team that is going to come out with a new plan.
Our D has got to hold on this first drive...
Jaxdulac
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Of course he does, Spes does the lawn.
liquidcrystal23
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It's interesting watching A&M. Constantly moving the pocket with roll outs and other adjustments.
GulfCoastIrish
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pbrad28 said:

GulfCoastIrish said:

theoriginalndmom said:

Does anyone have Brian Kelly's email address? Back in the day I emailed David, Kevin White, willingham and tried to email Weis, but his mailbox was always full. The only who ever replied was Kevin White and he pretty much told me he was going to fire Davie. I really need to have a word with Kelly.?;


I'm headed over to his house.

Spes knows where he lives.


I don't think he's home right now



We like to wait for him. Can see his MB rolling through town late night.
CelticIrish
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JUST KICK THE DAMN BALL THROUGH THE END ZONE
mjhahn
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Why isn't Doerr kicking it out of the end zone??
Sweetlou88
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Can't we kick the ball into the GD end zone???
pbrad28
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Nothing like a block in the back. Refs suck
Mike Frank
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Staff
mattfreeman said:

Mike Frank said:

mattfreeman said:

Don't love the prevent defense, but it's smart. Notre Dame's DBs just aren't great. Can't hide them.

Gotta figure out something there on the bye week.
THat is NOT smart. No, it's NOT smart.

Stop defending him. Every week it's the same thing.

Mike
So if he blitzed the hell out of VT and they got burnt for a 75-yard TD..that's smart? Disagree.

VT's kicker is 1-for-3 on the year and missed 2 inside 40.

You're right, the FG shouldn't happen, but you're seeing the recruiting misses at DB get exposed in those situations.
Well, we will never know because he didn't blitz the hell out of VT.

If you're an attacking D, which they love to say they are, then be one when it matters most.

Has Va Tech scored of a 75 yard TD yet? No.

Stupid idea. I have facts on my side. You just have a theory and a potential on yours.

That's the problem with these team. They coach not to lose, and then end up losing like last week,

THey coached not to lose by starting Coan and wasted almost an entire half.

Mike
Buccos815
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GulfCoastIrish said:

aTm giving Bama some aTm
You speak as if that is a bad thing.
liquidcrystal23
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Why can't we kick the ball out of the back of the end zone ?
mjhahn
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Mike Frank said:

mattfreeman said:

Mike Frank said:

mattfreeman said:

Don't love the prevent defense, but it's smart. Notre Dame's DBs just aren't great. Can't hide them.

Gotta figure out something there on the bye week.
THat is NOT smart. No, it's NOT smart.

Stop defending him. Every week it's the same thing.

Mike
So if he blitzed the hell out of VT and they got burnt for a 75-yard TD..that's smart? Disagree.

VT's kicker is 1-for-3 on the year and missed 2 inside 40.

You're right, the FG shouldn't happen, but you're seeing the recruiting misses at DB get exposed in those situations.
Well, we will never know because he didn't blitz the hell out of VT.

If you're an attacking D, which they love to say they are, then be one when it matters most.

Has Va Tech scored of a 75 yard TD yet? No.

Stupid idea. I have facts on my side. You just have a theory and a potential on yours.

That's the problem with these team. They coach not to lose, and then end up losing like last week,

THey coached not to lose by starting Coan and wasted almost an entire half.

Mike
Wish I could star this 500 times. So I'll just say YEP.
mattfreeman
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Staff
Yikes Cam Hart.
 
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