Tag: Tony Muskett

Notre Dame vs. Virginia: Fourth-Quarter Analysis

This quarter was uneventful, but that’s OK with the win.

Notre Dame didn’t need to do anything fancy to close out Virginia. Never mind that it failed to score on fourth-and-goal to cap a lengthy drive that began in the third quarter. It already had done enough to secure a 35-14 victory, which featured Tony Muskett running for a garbage-time touchdown.

Even though [autotag]Zac Yoakum[/autotag] capped another long drive by missing a 36-yard field goal, hardly anybody at Notre Dame Stadium cared at that point. The Irish were going to cap their home season with another victory. At least for the moment, the loss to Northern Illinois that happened there in September felt like a distant memory.

Obviously, Irish fans aren’t going to forget about that defeat to the Huskies entirely because it still threatens to derail their team’s chances at the College Football Playoff.

The focus now was on the seniors playing perhaps their final game in South Bend. It never is easy for Irish fans to say goodbye to those players, but all good things must end. If this is it for them at home, it was a nice way to go out.

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Notre Dame vs. Virginia: Third-Quarter Analysis

It’s all academic from here.

(This story has been updated with a new photo.)

Based on how dominant Notre Dame was in the first half against Virginia, it was somewhat understandable if they chose to relax. That was evidenced by the fact that the first drive of the second half ended with [autotag]Riley Leonard[/autotag] throwing an interception. But the third quarter still ended with a 35-7 Irish lead.

The Cavaliers opted to replace Anthony Colandrea with backup quarterback Tony Muskett, whose first series was a three-and-out. [autotag]Jeremiyah Love[/autotag] then had a 76-yard touchdown run on the Irish’s next drive. However, Muskett responded with an 18-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 to get the Cavaliers on the scoreboard. Both scoring drives last less than two minutes.

When the third quarter ran out, the Irish were on the verge of putting more points on the scoreboard with a third-and-goal. With a huge lead though, they were in no hurry to find the end zone again. It seems inevitable though.

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Tim Banks discusses facing Virginia quarterback Tony Muskett

Tim Banks discusses facing Virginia quarterback Tony Muskett in Week 1.

Virginia announced Tony Muskett will start at quarterback versus Tennessee in Week 1.

The 6-foot-2, 206-pound Muskett transferred to Virginia from Monmouth ahead of the 2023 season.

Tennessee third-year defensive coordinator Tim Banks met with media ahead of the season opener and discussed facing Muskett.

“Really good player, he played really well for those guys (Monmouth),” Banks said. “Showed some athleticism, really good touch on the deep balls. I can see why those guys went and got him, and I can see why those guys named him the starter.

“We respect everybody that we face, and he has our attention. We know we are going to have to be at our best to be able to have a good game against him.”

Muskett appeared in 23 games from 2020-22 at Monmouth, recording 5,687 passing yards, 51 passing touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 149 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Tony Muskett (11) Helen Comer/USA TODAY Network

Virginia names starting quarterback for season opener versus Tennessee

Virginia names a starting quarterback for the season opener versus Tennessee.

Tennessee will open its 2023 season Sept. 2 versus Virginia.

Kickoff between the Vols and Cavaliers is slated for noon EDT and ABC will televise the season-opening matchup at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tennessee and Virginia last played in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1991. The Vols defeated Virginia, 23-22. Tennessee leads the all time series, 3-1.

Virginia named senior Tony Muskett as the Cavaliers’ starting quarterback in Week 1 versus Tennessee.

The 6-foot-2, 206-pound Muskett transferred to Virginia from Monmouth ahead of the 2023 season. He appeared in 23 games from 2020-22 at Monmouth, recording 5,687 passing yards, 51 passing touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 149 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Former Tennessee running back signee Cody Brown enters second season at Virginia