No. 6 Irish look to banish road demons vs. Hokies

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is already tired of “Enter Sandman,” the Metallica song that plays such a major role in the way No. 24 Virginia Tech stirs up its fans for the start of football games at Lane Stadium.

The sixth-ranked Fighting Irish will get to experience the atmosphere firsthand on Saturday night.

“I can’t wait to hear it one more time because it means we’ve started the game,” Kelly said. The Fighting Irish practiced this week with noise approaching the decibels of a jet engine.

The Irish (5-0) will be seeking their third victory against a ranked team and their second in as many weeks. A win would their first road victory against a Top 25 team, and that has been a challenge for them in recent years. Notre Dame has won eight of its last 20 true road games overall and is 1-8 in its last nine road games against a ranked opponent.

The Hokies (3-1) also have beaten two teams this season that were ranked when they played.

While Kelly believes the Irish are ready for what he expects will be an “incredible atmosphere,” he also likes the way his team is “beginning to complement each other.”

A move to Ian Book at quarterback has had a lot to do with it, too.

“He has certainly created a confidence level among the entire unit,” Kelly said of the junior. “And whether it’s escapability, where he can sense the rush and that builds a confidence level with your offensive line that they know that even if they maybe don’t sustain a block, that they’re going to be OK so I don’t have to grab or hold. Wide receivers knowing that they’re going to get the football in a position where they can run after the catch.’ “

The Hokies have made a change behind center as well, with Kansas transfer Ryan Willis stepping in last week after sophomore co-captain Josh Jackson broke a bone in his leg in a stunning loss at Old Dominion .

“It’s going to be electric,” Willis said. “Hokie Nation’s going to come out loud. I feel like everyone across the nation kind of follows Notre Dame. I grew up in the catholic school system, I went to catholic high school. So just that alone, you kind of hear about Notre Dame here and there. I’m excited. They’re a good team.”