GAME PREVIEW: VIRGINIA
type of setback is difficult enough at
top‑tier programs, never mind ones
that finish 5‑7.
Nevertheless, the defense should re‑
main solid, with a secondary led by
sophomore safety Quin Blanding and
senior cornerback Maurice Canady
as its strength. That might put a little
more pressure on Notre Dame to move
the ball on the ground to ease some of
the passing onus on quarterback Malik
Zaire.
More importantly, this is a chance
for Notre Dame's defense to assert it‑
self on the road against an offense that
last year finished 88th in yards per
pass attempt (6.6) and 101st in yards
per rush (3.7).
Great teams usually can pack a
strong defense on road trips. Versus
Virginia's so‑so offense, the opportu‑
nity to take control is there for Notre
Dame defensive coordinator Brian
VanGorder's troops. ✦
Senior cornerback Maurice Canady helps anchor a secondary that will be the strength of the Cavaliers
defense in 2015.
PHOTO COURTESY UVA MEDIA RELATIONS
