Jeremiyah Love is set to take the field for the Orange Bowl against Penn State, but the burning question remains: just how healthy will he be? Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame, made a confident declaration before the game, indicating that Love would be ready to compete in this crucial College Football Playoff semifinal.
Freeman’s Confidence in Love
Freeman spoke with enthusiasm about Love’s competitive spirit. “As much as we need him to,” he remarked when asked about Love’s expected contributions. The Fighting Irish’s leading rusher is eager to make an impact, even if it means taking breaks to manage his sprained knee. “He’s a competitor, and we’re gonna have to probably take him out at times. But he’s gonna want to be in the game and want to impact this game, and he will.”
Assessing Love’s Injury
Love faced a setback last week during the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, re-injuring his knee. This injury was an aggravation of a previous issue sustained during the regular-season finale against USC. Despite this, Love practiced leading up to the game, and reports indicated that he was not wearing a brace during warm-ups on Thursday night. This is a promising sign for Fighting Irish fans, but there are still concerns about his ability to perform at full capacity.
Notre Dame’s Backup Plan
Should Love need to step back during the game, Jadarian Price is ready to step in. Freeman has praised the depth of talent in the running back position, emphasizing that they have a solid roster to rely on. “We’ll find ways to get the ball in his hands,” Freeman assured fans, highlighting the importance of having multiple options in the backfield. This depth could prove crucial in a high-stakes game like the Orange Bowl.
Adjustments to the Offense
With Love’s health in question, adjustments to Notre Dame’s offense are likely. ESPN’s Pete Thamel suggested that Price would take the lead in the backfield. However, it’s not just the running backs that will need to step up. Riley Leonard, the quarterback, is expected to be more active in the running game. He played a pivotal role in last week’s victory, and his contributions could be even more significant on Thursday night in Miami.
Thamel noted, “We’re going to see more Riley Leonard called runs. They called nine quarterback designed runs against Georgia – he had four other scrambles.” In fact, Leonard accounted for a staggering 37% of Notre Dame’s rushing yards in that game, a statistic that emphasizes his dual-threat capabilities. For a quarterback to contribute that much to the ground game is quite remarkable, and it showcases the unique style of play that Notre Dame has adopted.
What to Expect from Love
As kickoff approaches, the anticipation builds around Love’s performance. “Jeremiyah Love’s going to warm up. He’s going to try to give it a go,” Thamel stated on College Football Live. However, he cautioned that if Love isn’t at 100%, his impact might be limited. “He won’t be that smoke through the keyhole; he won’t be that dynamic player.” This raises an important question: how much can Love contribute if he’s not fully healthy?
Freeman’s confidence in Love is clear, but the reality of the situation is that he may not be able to carry the load alone. “I would not be surprised if he ends up starting. It could be a ceremonial start for Love,” Thamel added, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Love’s role in the game. The coaching staff will need to be strategic in how they utilize him, ensuring that he can make a difference without risking further injury.
Looking Ahead
As the Fighting Irish prepare to face Penn State, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of their postseason. With Love’s health in question, all eyes will be on how Freeman and his staff manage their star running back while also leveraging the talents of Price and Leonard.
In a game where every play counts, the ability to adapt and strategize will be crucial. Love’s competitive nature is undeniable, but the coaching staff must balance that with the need for long-term health and performance. The excitement of college football is palpable, and as fans gear up for the Orange Bowl, the intrigue surrounding Love’s participation adds another layer to this thrilling matchup. Will he rise to the occasion, or will Notre Dame’s depth prove to be their greatest asset? Only time will tell as the Fighting Irish take the field in Miami.
