No. 24 Virginia Tech Looks to Upset No. 6 Notre Dame at Lane Stadium
Colin Gilley
Posted On October 5
(Image via collegiatetimes.com)
Team Overview
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech (3-1, 2-0 ACC) is coming off a big win vs No. 22 Duke. The Hokies backup QB Ryan Willis, replacing the injured Josh Jackson, was extraordinaire throwing for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns. Willis will make his first start at Lane Stadium this weekend on Primetime TV. The Hokies offense will come into Saturday with the 28th overall offense averaging 479.5 total yards per game and 38 points per game. Coach Bud Foster had the Hokies defense back on their feet. They gave up 327 total yards and only 17 points to the Blue Devils. Houshun Gains had a big game racking up 2 sacks and 2.5 TFL’s. Virginia Tech’s defense ranks 78th nationally giving up 388 yards per game. The Hokies have been good in the red zone only allowing 20.8 points per game.
Notre Dame
After replacing QB Brandon Wimbush for Junior Ian Book, Notre Dame (5-0) has exploded on offense. Over the past 2 weeks, with Ian Book at QB, the Irish have averaged 47 points a game and have scored 94 points in 2 games. The Irish also saw a return from their senior RB Dexter Williams last weekend vs Stanford. Dexter ran for 161 yards and a touchdown on 21 touches. Dexter gives the Irish a solid, reliable running back on offense. Notre Dame has the 48th overall offense in the country averaging 442.4 yards per game and 32.8 points. To match their offense, Notre Dame’s defense has been great as well. They held both Michigan and Stanford, who were both contenders for the playoffs at the beginning of the year, to only 17 points. Notre Dame’s defense ranks 36th in the nation. They allow an average of 340.6 yards per game and 18.8 points per game.
Keys to Victory
Virginia Tech
Offense: The Hokies need to be consistent on offense and they can’t turn the ball over. Also, Ryan Willis needs to play even better than he did at Duke. He needs to read the defense and not force any balls into good coverage.
Defense: Bud Fosters’ defense is facing their biggest test of the season this week. The Hokies defense isn’t expected to completely halt the Irish offense all game, but if they can get a few crucial stops, or turnovers, then they will set up their offense for a chance to score.
Lane Stadium has been talked about a lot leading up to this game. Virginia Tech needs to make sure they are making plays to get their fans into the game. Notre Dame’s QB Ian Book has yet to play in a stadium like Lane Stadium. If Virginia Tech can keep their fans in the game, Ian might be a little overwhelmed and may make some mistakes.
Notre Dame
Offense: On offense the Irish need to put the Hokies out of the game as fast as possible. If Virginia Tech hangs around it’ll only take 1 or 2 big plays to shift the momentum in Virginia Tech’s favor.
Defense: Defensively the Irish just need to keep the Hokies under-control and not allow any big plays. Forcing turnovers will keep the crowd silent and get the Hokie offense frustrated.
Player to Watch
Virginia Tech: QB Ryan Willis
Ryan Willis is coming off a great starting performance vs No. 22 Duke throwing for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns. Willis will be called upon again and he will need to be even better in this game to give the Hokies a chance.
Stat Prediction: 31/43, 407 yards, 4 touchdowns
Notre Dame: QB Ian Book
Ian Book has been exceptional for the Irish ever since he got the starting job. This is Ian’s biggest test of the season, going into a hostile Lane Stadium. Ian will need to be cool and he can’t let the pressure, fans and noise get to him.
Stat Prediction: 35/47, 398 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception
Score Prediction
This game will be a shootout. With both QB’s throwing for about 800 yards combined, I think Virginia Tech will make a few crucial drives late in the game to upset the Irish.
VT 41 ND 38
