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How last week’s picks fared
Greer Martini - 9 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
Julian Love - 3 tackles, .5 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended
DeShone Kizer - 17/28, 209 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 INT, 7 rushes, 72 yards
James Onwualu - OLB
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Onwualu has been the rock of this football team all season long. He’s been the constant in a season of inconsistencies. He’ll be playing in his final game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday and he’ll be saving his best for last. He’ll have a tough task in front of him as Virginia Tech has a very capable dual-threat quarterback in Jerod Evans and a terrific running back in Travon McMillian. Nevertheless, I like Onwualu to rise to the occasion and play a big factor in Saturday’s matchup.
Jarron Jones - DT
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I’m sticking with the senior theme here. Jones has been a non-factor the past two weeks because the Irish have played two option attacks. As Jones put it earlier in the week, Notre Dame is back to playing “real football” this week, as they are back to playing against a more conventional offense. Last time we saw Jones playing “real football”, he had perhaps the best game of his Notre Dame career against Miami. Saturday will also be Jones’ last game in Notre Dame Stadium. Look for him to wreak havoc on Va Tech’s offensive line, which has given up 22 sacks and 63 tackles for loss this season (77th & 83rd in NCAA).
Equanimeous St. Brown - WR
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I really wanted to go with Torii Hunter Jr. here and complete the Senior Day trifecta, but Hunter will be a game time decision, so I guess I’ll have to “settle” with St. Brown. Notre Dame’s leading receiver has been relatively quiet over the last five games. In that stretch he’s averaging just four receptions for 47.2 yards. St. Brown does have a tough task against the Hokies’s secondary. VT has the 13th best pass defense in the nation, but for some reason I have a feeling St. Brown will snap of this funk and help lead the Irish to victory.