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Know you foe Virginia: Five Cavaliers who could give Notre Dame problems

Michael Chen
·3 min read

The Irish travel to take one of the highest scoring offenses in the NCAA, the Virginia Cavaliers. They are the ACC version of Oklahoma, a high powered passing attack with an average running game and a below average defense. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some solid players on the UVA squad and here are five that could give Notre Dame trouble Saturday night.

Quarterback Brennan Armstrong

The starter does everything for the Cavaliers, but the biggest question heading into Saturday night is if he will play. A game time decision Armstrong has been a killer at home, completing 63% of his passes for 1,911-yards and 15 touchdowns in the air with just 2 interceptions.

He’s added another 197-yards on the ground with 5 more scores. A threat to run or pass if Armstrong is healthy, he’s going to be the straw that stirs the Cav’s offense.

Linebacker Noah Taylor

The senior is having a fantastic season, especially getting to the quarterback. Although Taylor has had a hard time duplicating his 2019 sack total, he’s still a threat to take down any quarterback.

Solid in pass coverage as well, he’s got three career interceptions but again none this year. Taylor needs just one more tackle for a career high and should see him perform very well against the Irish.

Wide receiver Billy Kemp

The Irish will most likely shift coverage over to Dontayvion Wicks’ side, he’s their leading receiver so that means there should be more opportunities for Kemp to make plays. He’s tied for second on the team with six touchdowns through the air, third in yardage.

Kemp is much more of a possession receiver, something you don’t see much of anymore but he moves the chains. With the focus on Wicks, Kemp could have a very impactful game.

Safety Joey Blount

Another senior having a big year for the Cavaliers is Blount, who had an uncharacteristic off-year in 2020, has returned to his 2019 form. Second on the team in tackles, his two interceptions lead UVA and he’s also added three passes deflected.

Blount is all over the field and can be a terror for opposing offenses. The Irish quarterbacks need to know which side Blount is on every play.

Offensive weapon Keytaon Thompson

Listed as a quarterback, Thompson has taken a step back from that position and been a do-it-all player for the Cav’s. Third on the team in rushing yards, second on the team in receiving yards.

Although he’s scored just four touchdowns, Thompson has 879-yards from scrimmage to his name, meaning he’s a big time playmaker for UVA’s offense. Expect them to try and get him the ball any way possible, even trying to throw the ball as well.

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