Even though Notre Dame’s depth chart lists Jack Coan as the starting quarterback against Virginia Tech, many don’t believe it. Even our own editor is certain that Drew Pyne will get the start, and he is among the many calling for it. All we know for certain is that the Irish are as reliant on advance its offense through the air, and no seems particularly better this season anyone else. Between that and a season that no longer has College Football Playoff aspirations, it makes more sense to start the player with more of a future at the position.
What we know for certain is that the Hokies will start Braxton Burmeister. While he’s a much better runner than even Tyler Buchner, his passing numbers mostly are underwhelming given this matchup. He likely will use both aspects of his game to attack the Irish’s defense. Whether that will be enough is anyone’s guess.