In a dominating display on Saturday, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish triumphed over the Florida State Seminoles with a staggering score of 52-3. However, amidst the celebration, the team faced a significant concern when defensive lineman Howard Cross III went down with an apparent lower-leg injury during the first half and did not return to the game.
Injury Update: What’s Next for Cross?
After the game, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman addressed the media regarding Cross’ condition. “They said it was an ankle sprain,” Freeman explained. “I don’t know if he could’ve came back. He didn’t tell me that. He just said he’s out right now with an ankle sprain. I think by the time there was a possibility that maybe he could’ve came back, it was over.” This news left fans and teammates alike hoping for a swift recovery for the talented lineman.
Defensive Dominance: A Team Effort
Despite the loss of Cross, the Fighting Irish defense stepped up in a big way. They held Florida State to a mere 208 total yards of offense and forced two turnovers. The Seminoles struggled to find their rhythm, converting only 3 of their 17 third-down attempts. Notre Dame’s defensive line wreaked havoc, notching an impressive 10 tackles for loss and eight sacks throughout the game. This performance underscores why the Irish currently rank 18th in the nation for sacks this season.
Howard Cross: A Leader on and off the Field
Before his injury, Cross was already making an impact, recording two tackles. His presence on the field is invaluable, and his absence was felt deeply by his teammates. Defensive lineman Mills shared his feelings after the game: “When Howard went down, for me, I was just gutted for him (considering) how much he put in this week and how much he makes everyone better. So that kind of gave me a little like frustration, like we saw a guy go down, which is you never want to see.”
Mills emphasized the importance of Cross’s leadership, stating, “I just wanted to make sure Howard was OK. He was great; he was a leader on the sideline, talking to the young guys, talking to me. He kind of gave everybody words of encouragement.” This speaks volumes about Cross’s character and the respect he commands within the team.
Cross’s Season So Far
Howard Cross has been a significant contributor to Notre Dame’s defensive success this season. With 22 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and a career-high four sacks, he has proven to be a force on the field. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been crucial for the Fighting Irish as they navigate a challenging schedule.
Looking Ahead: Can Cross Return Against Virginia?
As the Fighting Irish prepare for their next matchup against Virginia on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, fans are hopeful that Cross will be back on the field. If all goes well with his recovery, he could rejoin his teammates in what promises to be another exciting game. The contest will be broadcast live on NBC, providing fans with the chance to see if Cross can make a triumphant return.
A Strong Team Performance
While the focus is on Cross’s injury, it’s essential to recognize the collective effort that led to this resounding victory. The Fighting Irish showcased their depth and resilience, proving that they can overcome adversity. The defensive line’s ability to pressure the quarterback and contain the run game was a critical factor in the win, and it’s clear that this team is built for success.
In conclusion, the Fighting Irish not only celebrated a significant victory over Florida State but also demonstrated their strength as a team. With the hope that Howard Cross will recover quickly, fans are eager to see how Notre Dame will continue to perform in the coming weeks. Will they maintain this momentum? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football is as thrilling as ever, and the Fighting Irish are a team to watch.
