Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman expects his team to bring a playoff mentality to Saturday’s showdown against Virginia. The eighth-ranked Irish have no choice.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is set to address reporters for the final time before Saturday’s game vs. Virginia. The Irish take on the Seminoles at 3:30 p.m. ET in South Bend, and the game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

Freshman defensive end Loghan Thomas (hamstring) missed the victory over Florida State, but the talented edge rusher is getting much closer to returning. According to head coach Marcus Freeman, there's a chance Thomas will be available to return to action this week when the Fighting Irish host Virginia.

Brad Thomas, Vaughn Dalzell, and Eric Froton give their best bets for Notre Dame-Virginia, including Anthony Colandrea's passing yards, the first half spread and more.

Check out the notable facts and figures between Virginia and No. 8 Notre Dame ahead of their matchup this Saturday.

No. 8 Notre Dame (8-1) is looking for another statement victory to keep its playoff aspirations alive on Saturday, playing host to the Virginia Cavaliers (5-4) on Senior Day in South Bend.

Notre Dame's ground attack could be the deciding factor against Virginia. Here's the X factor that might tip the scales for the Irish.