Notre Dame Football: 3 Biggest Storylines vs. Ball State
Playing Time for the Freshmen and Backups
Assuming this game goes according to how it should, most of the Irish starters should be pulled by the second half — maybe sooner. If so, this game is going to be a perfect opportunity to get some backups and younger guys on the roster their first game experience wearing a golden helmet. Especially when considering the new NCAA redshirt rule this year, it is a no-brainer to play freshmen and other backups and get them valuable playing time.
On the offensive side of the ball, we should get a healthy dose of quarterbacks Ian Book and highly-touted freshman Phil Jurkovec. How much each will play obviously isn’t up to me, but regardless, I’m excited to hopefully see Jurkovec in action for the first time in his Notre Dame career.
As far as skill-position players, running back C’Bo Flemister and receivers Kevin Ausitn, Joe Wilkins, and Lawrence Keys III should all be making their debuts. Michael Young saw a handful of snaps at receiver last week, but no targets. That will change this week. Along the offensive line, expect to see the future of the position group — true freshman Jarrett Patterson and redshirt-freshman Dillan Gibbons — make their collegiate debuts. Guard Josh Lugg will see substantial playing time as well.
On the opposite side of the ball, we should see a talented group of young guys see the field. Brothers Justin and Jayson Ademilola should see a healthy amount of snaps along the defensive line — though Jayson saw action last week after Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa was lost to a broken foot.
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Expect to see freshman Bo Bauer see action at middle linebacker after making his field debut last week on special teams. Other true freshman Shayne Simon is expected to get paying time at linebacker this week as well. Finally, freshmen Houston Griffith and Tariq Bracy will see substantial playing time after both saw the field last week.