The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Virginia Cavaliers are heading in opposite directions, meet Saturday in Charlottesville. Can Notre Dame build on its Texas romp? We take a look below in the Notre Dame vs. Virginia prediction and game preview.

Notre Dame vs. Virginia Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: ABC

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Why You Need To Care

QB Malik Zaire was in complete control. Texas was treated like it was North Texas. The defense didn’t allow a touchdown. The opener couldn’t have gone much better for Notre Dame, which rose to No. 9 in this week’s AP poll.

The Irish now turn their attention to Virginia and the first road game of the year. The Cavaliers are already in an early hole, having lost to UCLA at the Rose Bowl. If UVa and its besieged coaching staff are to change the direction of the season, they’ll have to show up this Saturday versus Notre Dame.

Why Notre Dame Will Win

The Irish did everything right last Saturday. Nothing went well for Virginia. Yeah, new week, but that’s a tough gap in realities for the Cavs to erase. The Notre Dame defense was suffocating, led by Sheldon Day and LB Jaylon Smith. And that D presents problems for a Virginia offense with few playmakers, an average quarterback, Matt Johns, and an offensive line without a true anchor.

Why Virginia Will Win

The Cavalier defense isn’t as soft as UCLA rookies Josh Rosen and Soso Jamabo made it look last Saturday. The defensive backfield remains flush in talent, and MLB Micah Kiser is ready to become the anchor from the second level. The Irish could have problems establishing the run now that RB Tarean Folston is out for the year and one-time third-stringer C.J. Prosise is getting the start.

Player Who Matters

The UVa secondary needs to bounce back from last week, but it won’t be easy with Will Fuller on campus. Zaire and Fuller, one of the country’s premier wide receivers, have quickly formed a connection. Fuller caught seven balls for 142 yards and two scores, but he will have his hands full this week with veteran Cav corners Maurice Canady and Demetrious Nicholson.

What’s Going To Happen?

Virginia isn’t a bad football team, particularly in C’ville. However, the Cavaliers lack the proven talent to match Notre Dame’s strength on the lines or the emerging Zaire-to-Fuller hook-up. The Irish won’t dominate the way they did against Texas. Still, they will win again, limiting UVa’s ability to move the ball consistently.

Notre Dame vs. Virginia Score Prediction

Final Score: Notre Dame 31, Virginia 17

Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 2.5

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