Cincinnati exposed Notre Dame last week for what the Irish really are, a team whose luck ran out when they met a really good defense. 

Notre Dame meets another outstanding defense here in Virginia Tech. The Hokies give up the 10th-fewest points per game in the country. They held Sam Howell and North Carolina to 10 points. The Tar Heels are averaging 44.5 points in their other four games. 

The Irish can't dent a really strong defense because they lack a star quarterback, have a mediocre-at-best offensive line and no star wide receivers. Their best pass catcher is tight end is Michael Mayer and he's banged-up dealing with a groin injury. 

Virginia Tech also has the advantage of having had two weeks to rest and prepare. The Hokies were idle last week.