Following a decisive victory over Florida State last week, Notre Dame is hosting the Virginia Cavaliers this week. Notre Dame should be able to handle business against a less-talented Virginia team. The Fighting Irish need to, since they are continuing to push for the College Football Playoff and probably can’t afford another loss.

Notre Dame will be without one of its most important defensive players against Virginia. Graduate senior defensive tackle Howard Cross III is out with an ankle injury. That’s been known since Monday.

Xavier Watts notched his 11th career interception, while Adon Shuler and Leonard Moore pushed their season totals to a combined five picks for Notre Dame.