At this point in the season, Notre Dame should know exactly where it stands in the College Football Playoff race.
Let's be realistic and say that unless they go completely awry, the Irish shouldn't end up worse than 7-2 when Virginia comes to South Bend.
The Texas A&M game opens the season, but there are some landmines to avoid, including a dangerous Louisville team and away games against Purdue and Georgia Tech, but the real key will be what happens in the week leading up to that Nov. 16 game.
Virginia may have a moment of disappointment after facing Florida State.
Again, assuming all goes well and the Irish get at least seven wins, this will be a momentum-boosting game after a big win over the Seminoles, or a desperate moment in their final home game of the season before facing Army in New York City and then USC in Los Angeles.
This is mid-November, so countless things will change between now and then, but in the meantime, here are five things Notre Dame fans need to know about Virginia.
Things are really tough for the Virginia football team.
From a few close losses on the field to off-field tragedy in 2022, there's hope after two straight seasons with just three wins each.
This team has a lot of experience across the board no matter what the situation is late in the season, but if the veterans can tighten up from the start of the season and cut down on the costly mistakes they've made thus far, this team still carrying the aftereffects of the Florida State game could be a dangerous team for the Irish to deal with.
The Cavaliers' skill set isn't bad — they should be in good shape for the end of the season — but their offensive line struggled to execute on the ground and their pass protection was woeful.
Four starters return and UCF transfer Drake Metcalf is a talented center, but at this point in the year, this group needs to be significantly better than they were in 2023. If they aren't, it's going to be a long day.
Virginia's defense has size, experience and talent, but pressuring Riley Leonard should be an issue.
That was problematic as Virginia recorded just 11 sacks last season, with most of them coming in the first four games, and they struggled in key moments as the season progressed.
Not to make too much of a stretch, but the former Notre Dame RB/WR will be big for Virginia in a game that may be lacking any big storylines outside of what happened after the Florida State game.
Tyree was a solid runner for the Irish, rushing for 1,162 yards and eight scores in his first three seasons before moving into a bigger role as a true receiver, leaving with 82 grabs for 945 yards and seven scores and now playing in the slot at Virginia.
Again, we're talking about games in mid-November. Teams change, seasons change, players get injured, players step up, and, yeah, yeah, but this aspect should matter.
Virginia should have a better and more consistent passing game, but they will have to run well to win.
The Cavaliers' offense rushed for 140 or more yards three times last year and the team was 3-0. They were 0-9 when they didn't.
Virginia will be valiant and stay in the game for a while, but they will miss some key chances.
The Notre Dame defense will be aggressive, but they won't do much to break it down.
After the Florida State game, the Irish will likely put in the work with their line and defense taking control as the game progresses. It won't be perfect, but it will be a good win for the Irish to keep their College Football Playoff momentum going.
Notre Dame 34, Virginia 19
– Virginia 2024 Preview
Five things you need to know
– August 31: Texas A&M
– September 7: Northern Illinois
– September 14: Purdue
– September 21: University of Miami
– September 28: Louisville
– October 12: Stanford
– October 19: Georgia Tech
– October 26: Navy
– November 9: Florida State University
