The five plays that loomed large in Notre Dame’s win over Virginia

The hidden plays at made a difference for Notre Dame in their win over Virginia

It’s not always touchdown passes and turnovers that can make a difference in a game. There are always more than a handful of other plays that won’t be shown on highlight shows that make a massive impact on the game. Here are five plays that won’t get the recognition they deserve but where very important in Notre Dame’s 28-3 win against Virginia.

Tale of the Tape: Top Receivers – Kevin Austin vs. Dontayvion Wicks

There’s a changing of the guard for the Irish.

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Heading into its game against Virginia, Notre Dame has an actual receiver as its leading receiver for the first time this season. Kevin Austin passed tight end Michael Mayer for that distinction against Navy with a 70-yard touchdown reception. It still is not a very high number for a top receiver on a major college team. However, it finally is nice to have a little parity somewhere on the offense.

The Cavaliers’ top receiver is Dontayvion Wicks, and he’ll easily reach 1,000 yards for the season Saturday barring a complete shutdown by the Irish’s secondary. That won’t be likely if Brennan Armstrong is able to overcome his ribs injury and start. If that’s not the case, many will wonder how well Jay Woolfolk can find Wicks when he has opportunities to do what he does best. This remains a fluid situation, and we won’t have an answer until we know the Cavaliers’ quarterback situation.