If you didn’t think this game was a dogfight waiting to happen, you haven’t see enough of both Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. The two teams are similar. Both hit hard and make plays on defense to keep them in games while having average offenses. The two teams slugged it out over four quarters, but the Irish prevailed with an exciting 32-29 road victory. Here are the best, 5 stars, and worst, 1 star, performances from the Irish this week.

5 ⭐️ - Kyren Williams

Oct. 9, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) runs as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Jermaine Waller (2) gets set for the stop during the second half at Lane Stadium. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Yeah, he’s not breaking off the big runs like he did last year, but who is going to complain when Williams accounts for two scores and 100 total yards from scrimmage. It’s not what many of us had imagined for the sophomore after a huge season last year, but you can’t deny Williams has been wildly productive as the offensive line continues to figure things out.

4 ⭐️ - The defensive backs minus Kyle Hamilton (surprising right?)

BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 09: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts to a play against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half of the game at Lane Stadium on October 9, 2021 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

TaRiq Bracy had a much needed interception in the third quarter that led to an Irish score. Cam Hart was tested early, and we didn’t hear about him after. Clarence Lewis was fantastic in run support. A very dumb penalty by Hamilton late in the fourth quarter, getting called for roughing the passer in a crucial situation, hurt. The Hokies scored a few plays later and almost put a dagger in the Irish’s hopes. This group as a whole has really improved as they limited the Hokies to just 184 passing yards, making the hosts one-dimensional while contributing in other areas as well.

3 ⭐️ - Logan Diggs

Oct 9, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) celebrates with wide receiver Braden Lenzy (0) and wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. (4) after he catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Another true freshman has been called upon early in his Irish career and Diggs answered the bell. Spelling Williams and Tyree, he showed what we saw in high school: the ability to wait for a hole and use his impressive speed to burst through. Diggs had six attempts for 29 yards and added a catch for 15 yards. Football at every level is about depth, the more you have the better off you’ll be, especially with Williams getting dinged up late. Diggs now adds to the already impressive running back room depth.

2 ⭐️ - The quarterback rotation

Oct. 9, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) drops to throw a pass as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Amare Barno (11) gets through the line during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Is there any rhyme to the coaches’ reasons for continuing a completely random approach to who should lead this team? Going with the hot hand works, when you have three options, but none can get a rhythm. Of the group, Tyler Buchner is the best runner and Drew Pyne is the best pocket option in my eyes. Many of us thought Pyne would be next up if Coan failed, but it was Buchner first off the bench. When Buchner went down with an injury, Coan was called upon and produced late with no sign of Pyne. It’s been a wild ride for this position group this year, and who knows what will happen as the season progresses.

1 ⭐️ - Game plan for Buchner passing

Oct. 9, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

We all know what the true freshman does best: Run the ball. Buchner shows a lot of freshman in his game such as not getting the team lined up properly after a timeout. He rolled his ankle after throwing his second pick, so who knows if Buchner will be ready to play next week. He went 0 for 5 with two interceptions on third down and didn’t complete a pass in the second half before he got hurt. The next time Buchner sees a quality amount of playing time,  Rees has to have a better plan to get him easier throws: quick screens, rolling the pocket and misdirection. It wasn’t good and it showed.