GAME PREVIEW: VIRGINIA
to an 8-5 record in his second season (2011). Since
then, Virginia has gone 11-25, placing London on
the proverbial hot seat.
Irish head coach Brian Kelly enters the 2015
season with a 216-77-2 career record and a 45-20
overall mark with the Irish. Kelly has far more ex-
perience and proven success than London.
Advantage: Notre Dame
INTANGIBLES
Notre Dame has more talent and experience than
Virginia, giving the Irish a significant advantage
heading into this game. Kelly's squad returns 17
starters while Virginia brings back just 11 first-
teamers. The Irish entered the season as the
No. 11 team in the country, according to both the
Associated Press and USA Today polls.
Notre Dame began the campaign with far fewer
question marks, having gone through all of fall
camp with its starting quarterback settled. Lon-
don's players know he is on the hot seat and this
will be their home opener, so the Irish should
expect the Cavaliers' best effort.
Advantage: Notre Dame
Sophomore safety Quin Blanding was named a Freshman All‑American after racking up 123 tackles in
2014.
PHOTO COURTESY UVA MEDIA RELATIONS
