Notre Dame Football: 3 players who earned game balls in rout over Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 13: Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish breaks a tackle by Joey Blount #29 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at Scott Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs with the ball. Past Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Nick Grant (1) during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Michael Mayer, TE

Michael Mayer had a quiet few last weeks for Notre Dame until this game against Virginia. He finished the night leading the offense with seven receptions and also in yards with 84 yards. Mayer also had a touchdown which was his first touchdown since the second game of the season against Toledo where he had two touchdowns.

NBC broadcaster Drew Brees has been saying it for weeks that Michael Mayer needed to get more involved and be a top target for the Irish offense every week. It sounds like offensive coordinator Tommy Rees agreed after this game against Virginia.

This was the most receptions for the talented sophomore tight end since their early October lost to Cincinnati. Hopefully the Irish offense can continue to have Mayer be a top target the rest of the year and get the ball into his hands to build off the performance Saturday night.

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