GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Notre Dame’s secondary vs. Virginia Tech quarterback Ryan Willis. The Fighting Irish have proved to be terrific in the secondary this year, with cornerback Julian Love leading the way. Love set a school record with his 33rd career pass break-up a week ago against Stanford. He moved past Clarence Ellis, who had 32 pass break-ups during a standout career from 1969-71 before moving on to the NFL.
DRAFT SLANT: Is it too early to start thinking about Book’s potential as an NFL signal-caller? He has started only two games this season, but he already has shown poise and promise that pro scouts are sure to love. DeShone Kizer had plenty of question marks, but his success with the Fighting Irish helped to secure his status as a second-round pick by the Cleveland Browns last year. Book could flash similar potential if he builds upon his early success.
ROSTER REPORT:
–OL Alex Bars is expected to miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury that he sustained last week against Stanford. The loss of Bars deals a serious blow to Notre Dame’s offensive line, which counted on him as a captain.
–OL Trevor Ruhland is expected to play a bigger role in the offense going forward now that teammate Alex Bars is sidelined because of a knee injury. Ruhland enjoyed a standout career at Cary-Grove High School in suburban Chicago, and he has experience as both a starter and reserve player on the Fighting Irish’s offensive line.
–RB Jafar Armstrong (knee infection) might be forced to sit out another week after missing last week’s game against then-No. 7 Stanford. Armstrong has proved to be more than capable as a runner early in the season, but teammate Dexter Williams stepped up in his absence against the Cardinal.
