Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from huge win over Virginia

2 of 3

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 28: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish drops back to pass during the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 28, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Irish won with balanced attack

When Notre Dame’s offensive production is juxtaposed with Virginia’s, it’s clear which team had the better day. While the Cavaliers had to rely almost entirely on the passing game, the Irish won with a balanced offensive attack.

Ian Book went 17-of-25 for 165 yards, mainly because that’s all he had to do. The numbers don’t pop off the page, but much of the second half was spent running the ball with the lead. Book, while not producing at a high volume, did exactly what was needed. Maybe going head to head with Jake Fromm last week rubbed off on Book.

Of course, Book didn’t have to have a Heisman moment, because the Irish were great on the ground. As a whole, they gained 157 yards and four touchdowns on the day. Tony Jones Jr. had the bulk of those numbers, gaining 131 yards and three of those scores. C’Bo Flemister did the rest, with 27 yards and a score of his own.

The best teams in the country can throw the ball and run the ball. One dimensional teams get figured out. On Saturday, the Irish showed that they’ve got the qualities of a great team.

Home/Notre Dame Fighting Irish