Next Man Up (Again)
Unfortunately, this seems to be a recurring theme this year, except now it applies to the defensive side of the ball. After losing running backs Jafar Armstrong and Jahmir Smith for multiple games, as well as receiver Michael Young and tight end Cole Kmet for the first few weeks, the ‘Next Man Up’ mantra was heavily leaned on early this season.
Now, after the injuries to defensive end Daelin Hayes and cornerback Shaun Crawford last Saturday, the defense will need to adjust and continue to roll without a few key players. Hayes suffered a torn labrum early on in the first quarter and will miss the remainder of the season, while the oft-injured Crawford suffered a dislocated left elbow and will miss 3-4 weeks.
While Notre Dame can afford to lose a player at defensive end, one of the deepest and most talented position groups on the team, the loss of Hayes still results in a key depth piece missing from the unit. With Hayes out, expect to see a lot of snaps from Ade Ogundeji and Jamir Jones, two players that had huge games for the defense last weekend.
The Crawford injury hurts the defense a little more. Although the secondary is an experienced talented group, there is not a lot of depth. During his weekly press conference, Brian Kelly stated that rover linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will fill in for passing downs and 3rd & long situations where Crawford would usually play. Expect to see Donte Vaughn in place of Crawford as a slot corner as well.
The defense will have to adjust to losing two important role players for the time being and has to continue their dominant style of play. Notre Dame cannot afford any slip ups if they want a chance at making a playoff return, and like last year the defense will be one of, if not the most important factor in giving the Irish that chance.