Blue and Gold Illustrated

GAME PREVIEW: VIRGINIA Virginia's defensive coordinator is Jon Tenuta, who was at Notre Dame in 2008‑09, a tumultuous time under head coach Charlie Weis before his firing at the end of the 2009 campaign. Heralded as one of the nation's top defensive minds, Tenuta was consid‑ ered a pivotal hire after the 3‑9 Irish meltdown in 2007. Interestingly, Tenuta has not been on a football staff that has had fewer than four losses in a season since the 1998 Ohio State Buckeyes finished 11‑1. However, the last two times he faced Notre Dame, Tenuta's defense performed outstandingly, leading Georgia Tech to a 33‑3 win in 2007, the year after a 14‑10 loss at home to the No. 2 Irish that were led by quarter‑ back Brady Quinn. Meanwhile, the Virginia defensive line coach is Jappy Oliver, who held the same position from 2005‑08 at Notre Dame under Weis. The Cavs' offensive line coach, Dave Borberly, instructed the Irish guards and centers in 1998‑2001 under Bob Davie. PACKING A DEFENSE FOR THE ROAD Virginia's defense might have been among the best three in the ACC this year had defensive end Eli Harold and linebacker Max Valles not entered the NFL Draft early after combining for 16 of the team's 34 sacks in 2014. That Predictions Bryan Driskell: Notre Dame 34, Virginia 16 The Irish will look to take advantage of Virginia defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta's aggressive blitz schemes to generate a number of big plays, which will fuel a Notre Dame romp. Andrew Ivins: Notre Dame 28, Virginia 24 A rare afternoon kickoff on the road could spell early trouble for the Irish, especially with a talented Virginia secondary. The key will be moving the chains with Malik Zaire on the ground. Andrew Owens: Notre Dame 34, Virginia 13 Virginia's defense is no pushover, but its offense won't be able to score enough to hang with the Irish for four quarters. This Irish squad is so experienced that initial road game jitters should not be a factor in this one. Lou Somogyi: Notre Dame 23, Virginia 10 The Cavaliers defense might be able to keep this competitive, so the Irish must avoid a deluge of turnovers to give Virginia's more questionable offense a chance. Notre Dame's defense needs to take the lead on the road. Jordan Wells: Notre Dame 34, Virginia 20 Virginia's borderline top-25 recruiting classes from 2012-13 are now juniors and seniors. The Cavs will get an emotional lift from a big home atmosphere, but the Irish will pull away with a couple of late scores.

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