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

3. Struggles persist in the Notre Dame backfield

Notre Dame won largely despite their ground game rather than because of their backfield. Over the course of the season, the rushing attack has become more and more of an afterthought as they rely heavily on Ian Book and the passing game. That proved costly throughout the game as Virginia Tech was able to key in on the passing game and keep the ball in Book’s hands.

Book actually led the way on the ground, carrying 13 times for 50 yards and a rushing touchdown to go with 336 passing yards and two scores through the air. That wasn’t necessarily a good thing for the Fighting Irish, as the offense became too predictable at times and proved easier to shut down for the Hokies.

Subtract Book’s yards from the equation, and the Fighting Irish backfield finished with only 58 yards on 23 carries, averaging 2.5 yards per carry. Jafar Armstrong led the way, earning 19 carries but only gaining 37 yards in that grip of opportunities. Jahmir Smith added 14 yards on three carries, and cornerback Avery Davis also got a seven-yard carry for good measure.

Add it all up, and the Fighting Irish are playing a game that is likely unsustainable. While they avoided their third loss of the year at home to the Hokies, it feels like there is at least one more loss awaiting before the end of November.