Notre Dame Football: Ranking each 2019 opponent by toughness

7. Virginia Cavaliers (Sept. 28 — Notre Dame, Ind.)

This game against Virginia early in the season has the potential to be a letdown game for Notre Dame. The Irish will play the Georgia Bulldogs in the week before this one, which will be an emotional game. No matter how that game ends, the Irish will be tired both physically and mentally going into this game. It is thankfully a home game, which lowers the odds of an upset.

Bryce Perkins will be returning as the starting quarterback for the Cavaliers, and he has star potential. He totaled 34 touchdowns last year, balancing between his passing and running game. The addition of his mobile threat makes him tough to cover.

The Cavaliers will have to rely on Perkins’ running ability without Jordan Ellis. Ellis was the featured back, being their only 1,000-yard rusher in 2018. Perkins was the second-leading rusher on the team, getting close to 1,000 yards.

With everything being considered, this game is a bit of a wild card. If Perkins turns into the star that Virginia hopes he can be, this will be a bit of a challenge for Notre Dame. If not, this will be an impressive win for the Fighting Irish. Only time will tell.