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Bold Predictions for Notre Dame’s Senior Day Game Against Virginia
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Bold Predictions for Notre Dame’s Senior Day Game Against Virginia

Working with my teammate John Kennedy, who has been with me for several years, every summer towards the end the college football season will start, then we’ll blink and suddenly it’s Thanksgiving.

That’s exactly what happened again.

Saturday will be the last time Notre Dame football will host a regular season game in front of Touchdown Jesus and under the Golden Dome. Time will tell if the Irish can win a home playoff game, but there’s a lot of work to be done before we worry too much about that.

While the Cavaliers are 5-4 overall and 3-3 in ACC play, Notre Dame looks to continue to impress as Virginia tries to qualify for the bowl.

So what happens if the two meet for the fifth time in each other’s history on Saturday afternoon in South Bend?

Here’s what happened to the Notre Dame on Sports Illustrated team.

Notre Dame vs. Florida State Predictions: Jeff Feyerer

Jeremiyah Love broke out after scoring against Georgia Tec

October 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. /Brett Davis-Imagn Images

I’m excited to attend Saturday’s game against the Cavaliers as the Irish move one step closer to a berth in the College Football Playoff (knock on wood a million times). A lot of things are going right for Virginia. They are coming off an away win against a tough and ranked Pitt team. I’m excited to watch Jonas Sanker, one of college football’s premier linebackers, who will soon be cheering on the players on Sundays. And I think Tony Elliott is pointing this program in the right direction. But Saturday isn’t the day they’ll be playing one in South Bend.

Match Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Virginia 13

Bold Prediction: Virginia gave up more than 500 yards at Wake Forest in September, more than 500 yards at Clemson in October, and they will give up more than 500 yards at Notre Dame on Saturday.

Notre Dame vs. Florida State Predictions: Nathan Erbach

Riley Leonard celebrates his goal against Florida Stadium

November 9, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. / Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

The last two games before the Pittsburgh game had not been kind to the Virginia defense. For context, Pitt was without starting quarterback Eil Holstein. I expect another 40+ point performance as Notre Dame improves offensively. We know what this means considering the Irish defense is one of the best in the country.

Match Prediction: Notre Dame 42, Virginia 17

Bold Prediction: Leonard is coming off his second 4-goal game of the season, but he’s doing something he hasn’t done before. He scores 2 points and runs 2 points. He will also accumulate over 300 yards of total offense. A number he has not been able to reach this season.

Notre Dame vs. Florida State Predictions: Mason Plummer

Notre Dame's Rylie Mills and Donovan Hinish celebrate the looting of Florida Stadium

Notre Dame defensive lineman Rylie Mills (99) and defensive lineman Donovan Hinish (41) celebrate a stop during the NCAA college football game against Florida State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in South Bend. / MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Notre Dame did what it always does on Senior Day recently, crushing its opponent. Saturday is no different, as Virginia will leave Notre Dame Stadium the same way it entered: with five wins and still in the hunt for bowl rights.

Match Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Virginia 14

Bold Prediction: North Carolina sacked Virginia 10 times last week, expect Notre Dame to follow suit with a few interceptions.

Notre Dame vs. Florida State Predictions: John Kennedy

Notre Dame wide receiver Jaden Greathouse plays against Florida Stat

November 9, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wing Jaden Greathouse (1) carries the ball against the Florida State Seminoles in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. / Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

It seems to me that the Notre Dame team is making great progress and is peaking at the right time. The Irish are riding a seven-game winning streak in this campaign with their CFP goals in mind. Senior Day will not be a disappointment. The Irish defense will press Virginia and make it difficult for them to sustain their drives thanks to a lot of plays behind the Cavalier line of scrimmage, while the Irish offense will establish their own zone game while also sprinkling in some through shots in the passing game.

Match Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Virginia 13

Bold Prediction: A Notre Dame receiver will have a rare throw for the Irish, but welcomed the long TD catch and rushing for more than 50 yards

Notre Dame vs. Florida State Predictions: Nick Shepkowski

Riley Leonard throws a pass for Notre Dame against Nav

October 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws the ball in the first half against the Navy Midshipmen at MetLife Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Notre Dame ate Thanksgiving dinner early the last couple of years, demolishing opponents as a senior in South Bend by a combined score of 271-48 since 2018, an average of 45-8. Virginia is going to great lengths to protect quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who has been sacked 30 times this season.

While the Notre Dame defensive coordinator comes up with a plan that will make life hell for the Virginia offense all afternoon, we’ll call it the Al Golden Express.

Match Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Virginia 8

Bold Prediction: Riley Leonard throws for 250 yards for the first time in a Notre Dame jersey because he can, not because he has to.

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