Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from statement win over Virginia Tech

2. Notre Dame’s red zone defense will be key moving forward

Heading into their Week 6 matchup with the Hokies, Notre Dame’s defense ranked 52nd in the nation in opponent red zone efficiency. While opponents are scoring on 80 percent of their red zone trips, there’s more to the Irish defense than one number.

As of Week 5, Notre Dame has allowed seven touchdowns on 15 total attempts. Considering opposing offenses have averaged 75.8 plays per game against the Irish (23rd most in the nation), Notre Dame’s defense has played exceptionally well with their backs against the wall. Plays per game aside, the Irish defense has often fallen victim to poor field position, as seen in this game.

We saw a great example of this in today’s contest, with the Irish holding Virginia Tech to field goals on three straight drives into Fighting Irish territory. The Hokies would start two of these three drives with great field position courtesy of a poor snap on a botched punt attempt and a Book interception.

The Irish would make another big play with a Julian Love scoop and score off of a Ryan Willis fumble, but proceeded to let the Hokies within one point on Virginia Tech’s following possession. While there’s always room for improvement, the Irish defense has got it done when it has mattered most this season.