Notre Dame's ground attack could be the deciding factor against Virginia. Here's the X factor that might tip the scales for the Irish.

A Nebraska native who started his Irish career at wide receiver, graduate safety Xavier Watts made the move to the secondary in 2021. Starting out as a rover, playing a hybrid of linebacker and safety, Watts waited his turn behind the likes of Kyle Hamilton and Brandon Joseph. Then, in October of last year, he became a household name.

The Virginia Cavaliers (5-4) will look to upset the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-1) on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Notre Dame Stadium. The Fighting Irish are heavy favorites in this one,

Notre Dame’s Week 12 opponent is Virginia. The team is coming into Saturday’s game with a 5-4 overall record and 3-3 record against ACC opponents. Even with that record they’re still sitting at #7 out of 17 in the conference standings.

Notre Dame hosted all of their remaining 2025 recruiting targets against Florida State, in what will be a defining weekend for this recruiting cycle