Virginia Tech vs. Notre Dame: Game Preview, Prediction and Players to Watch
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will close out their 2016 home schedule against the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday.
Virginia Tech (7-3, 5-2 ACC) will attempt to bounce back from a surprising loss to Georgia Tech. The Hokies fell out of the rankings but remain the favorites to claim the ACC Coastal Division.
Notre Dame (4-6) recorded a much-needed win over Army to keep its postseason hopes alive. However, the Irish need victories over Virginia Tech and a surging USC team to reach a bowl game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on NBC. Notre Dame opened as three-point favorites, per Odds Shark.
Virginia Tech Keys to Victory
1 of 6
Establish Balance Immediately
Since Brian VanGorder's dismissal, Notre Dame's defense has been more effective. However, the numbers are slightly skewed because of a game played in a monsoon and two triple-option opponents.
Virginia Tech should be able to run against the average front seven, but that needs to happen right away. Should the Hokies fall behind early, they'll steadily drift from a balanced attack.
But if they can keep Notre Dame off balance, running back Travon McMillian will be a valuable factor on the road.
Own 3rd Down
Few defenses are better at getting off the field than Virginia Tech. Entering Week 12, the unit ranks fifth nationally because it has surrendered a third-down conversion just 27.5 percent of the time.
That's the only major difference. The Hokies offense and both Notre Dame phases are between 45th and 62nd.
Virginia Tech must showcase its strength to keep the Irish from sustaining drives.
Notre Dame Keys to Victory
2 of 6
Win the Trenches
Through mid-October, Virginia Tech's defense mostly dominated the line of scrimmage. The Hokies faltered against Tennessee but surrendered a mere 81 rushing yards over a six-game sample.
Lately, however, that hasn't been the case. During the last three outings, they've allowed an average of 238.7 yards.
Like Virginia Tech, Notre Dame must attempt to remain balanced. DeShone Kizer will carry the offense, but the running threat of Josh Adams and Tarean Folston must be present. Otherwise, the Irish will deal with an attacking front seven that tallied eight sacks on Miami.
Stall the Hokies in the Red Zone
Virginia Tech is capable of reaching 35 points in this contest, but that depends on the offense's red-zone success.
At home, the Hokies have tallied a field goal on just 16.7 percent of their drives that reach the 20-yard line. In true road games, however, that number skyrockets to 41.7.
Notre Dame can earn a critical advantage if it regularly stalls Virginia Tech's possessions in scoring territory.
Virginia Tech Players to Watch
3 of 6
Isaiah Ford, Wide Receiver
Bucky Hodges is often the first receiver mentioned because of his red-zone prowess, but Isaiah Ford is just as effective inside the 20-yard line and handles the highest volume of targets.
A 6'2", 195-pound wideout, Ford has totaled 58 passes, 795 yards and seven touchdowns—five of which came in the red zone.
Virginia Tech will try to stretch Notre Dame's retooled secondary, and Ford is the best option for downfield shots.
Woody Baron, Defensive Tackle
One breakout star of 2016, Woody Baron has been a constant presence in the opponent's backfield.
During Virginia Tech's last five games, the senior has registered 13 tackles for loss with four sacks. Baron boasts a total of 16 stops behind the line of scrimmage, which is tied for sixth-most nationally.
Baron will play an integral part in eliminating any danger of inside runs, particularly on zone reads.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Notre Dame Players to Watch
4 of 6
DeShone Kizer, Quarterback
Whether it's in 2017 or beyond, the NFL is Kizer's future. For now, though, the Irish are just trying to reach six wins.
Kizer has tossed a few poor interceptions, but he's rarely been a legitimate problem for Notre Dame this season. In several losses, Kizer was the primary reason the Irish even stayed close.
Since the Stanford loss, Kizer has completed 65.6 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and just one interception. The Hokies—whose coverage unit ranks No. 12 in passing rating allowed—will test Kizer's hot streak.
Nyles Morgan, Linebacker
In addition to needing Jarron Jones to perform like the disruptive force he's capable of being up front, Notre Dame will rely on Nyles Morgan to be a sound tackler.
Up to the Navy game, according to CFB Film Room, the junior had only missed seven tackles all season. Officially, he's been credited with a team-high 79 stops with six for loss.
The Irish cannot afford to let McMillian become a game-breaking player. Morgan's task is to clean up any mess the defensive line leaves.
What They're Saying
5 of 6
Virginia Tech
Duke's upset of North Carolina gave the Hokies a chance to seal the ACC Coastal last week. However, they couldn't get it done.
According to Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, fullback Sam Rogers said the team didn't deserve the win: "We know we didn't play well last week. We didn't deserve to win the Coastal championship last week, but we still have an opportunity, so right now we just have to focus on getting better."
Notre Dame
In each of the last two weeks, Notre Dame spent the week preparing for a triple-option offense. Now the Irish must refocus and study Virginia Tech's uptempo spread. Per the school, Brian Kelly said:
"We've got to transition from playing option for the last two weeks into traditional offensive structure. ... Our practice schedule is going to be a lot different in terms of our preparation, and we have to squeeze in a lot more into our practice to pick up for the loss of those types of reps that you would normally get over the last couple weeks.
"
Prediction
6 of 6
During each of Virginia Tech's last eight games, the team to score first eventually earned the win. A quick start is essential for a Hokies squad trying to rebound from a loss.
Even if Notre Dame opens strong, though, maintaining that success after halftime is imperative. The Irish have compiled a 185-121 advantage before the break but trail 121-118 in the second half.
The winner of this matchup will showcase the best offensive balance, and Virginia Tech has that edge. Bud Foster's aggressive defense will keep Kizer out of rhythm, regularly collapsing the pocket while the secondary protects against explosive plays.
Virginia Tech—which will have a chance to win the ACC Coastal in Week 13 regardless of the result—will jump to 8-3 on the season. Notre Dame will fall to 4-7, missing out on bowl season.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Notre Dame 27
All recruiting information via Scout. Stats from CFBStats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
