Notre Dame Gets Key Starters Back for CFP Clash Against Indiana
It’s official: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are getting some much-needed reinforcements just in time for their College Football Playoff first-round showdown against the Indiana Hoosiers this Friday. Head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed on Sunday that two of the team’s standout players, defensive lineman Howard Cross III and running back Jeremiyah Love, will be suiting up for the big game. For Irish fans, this is the kind of news that could tip the scales in their favor.
Howard Cross III: The Defensive Anchor Returns
Howard Cross III has been a force to be reckoned with all season, and his absence since November 9 has been deeply felt. Cross, who suffered a high ankle sprain during Notre Dame’s game against the Florida State Seminoles, is finally ready to return to action. The All-American defensive lineman and Bednarik Award semifinalist has been a cornerstone of the Irish defense, racking up four sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss in just nine games this season.
“Howard Cross is an excellent football player,” Freeman said during Sunday’s announcement. “When you don’t have him, he’s missed.” That’s putting it lightly. Cross’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been a game-changer for Notre Dame all year, and his return couldn’t come at a better time as the Irish prepare to face a tough Indiana squad.
Jeremiyah Love: The Offensive Spark Plug
On the offensive side of the ball, running back Jeremiyah Love is also set to make his return. Love, who leads the team with 949 rushing yards and an impressive 15 touchdowns, has been a revelation for the Irish this season. He sustained a right knee injury during Notre Dame’s regular-season finale against the USC Trojans on November 30, a game in which he still managed to rack up 99 rushing yards, a touchdown, and a highlight-reel hurdle over a Trojans defender.
In his last three games alone, Love has tallied 336 rushing yards and five touchdowns, proving he’s a critical piece of Notre Dame’s offensive puzzle. His ability to break tackles and make explosive plays will be crucial as the Irish look to advance in the College Football Playoff.
Additional Updates: Depth and Injuries
Notre Dame will also have reserve running back Devyn Ford available for Friday’s game, adding some depth to the backfield. However, not all the injury news is positive. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, who has recorded 29 tackles and a sack this season, will be sidelined with a knee injury. Several other reserves will also be unavailable, though Freeman did not specify who.
What This Means for Notre Dame
Getting Cross and Love back in the lineup is a massive boost for Notre Dame as they prepare to face Indiana. Cross’s ability to pressure the quarterback and clog up running lanes will be critical against a Hoosiers offense that thrives on balance. Meanwhile, Love’s return gives the Irish a dynamic playmaker who can take over a game at any moment.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what these returns mean:
- Defensive Impact: Cross’s presence on the defensive line will make it harder for Indiana to establish their run game, forcing them to rely more on their passing attack.
- Offensive Firepower: Love’s ability to break big runs and find the end zone adds a layer of unpredictability to Notre Dame’s offense.
- Depth Matters: With Devyn Ford available, the Irish have more options in the backfield, which could be crucial in a high-stakes playoff game.
The Road Ahead
Notre Dame’s matchup against Indiana is shaping up to be a must-watch game, and the return of Cross and Love only adds to the intrigue. The Fighting Irish have battled through injuries and adversity all season, and now they’re as close to full strength as they’ve been in weeks. With a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals on the line, all eyes will be on Notre Dame to see if they can capitalize on this opportunity.
For fans of the Irish, the message is clear: buckle up. Friday’s game promises to be a thriller, and with Cross and Love back in the fold, Notre Dame is ready to make some noise in the postseason.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
