Notre Dame football vs. Oklahoma State Fiesta Bowl: 3 bold predictions

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 13: Jack Coan #17 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scrambles in the first half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 13: Jack Coan #17 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scrambles in the first half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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Dec 28, 2021; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman (left) greets Logan Diggs (center) and Josh Bryan (right) during practice for the Fiesta Bowl, December 28, 2021, at Chaparral High School, 6935 E. Gold Dust Ave., Scottsdale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Mark Henle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2021; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman (left) greets Logan Diggs (center) and Josh Bryan (right) during practice for the Fiesta Bowl, December 28, 2021, at Chaparral High School, 6935 E. Gold Dust Ave., Scottsdale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Mark Henle-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football vs. Oklahoma State Fiesta Bowl: 3 bold predictions

Logan Diggs runs for 100-yards

New opportunities were created when redshirt sophomore running back Kyren Williams declared for the NFL Draft. Each Notre Dame ball carrier immediately jumped up a rung on the depth chart ladder. But, no one gained more than freshman running back Logan Diggs.

The new Notre Dame football depth chart might show a pecking order of Chris Tyree, Logan Diggs, and Audric Estime. However, Diggs will receiver the lion’s share of the carries. Although Tyree starts and possesses the most explosive ability, Diggs’ size and running style make him ideally suited to handle the workload better. In addition, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees likes to use multiple running back sets.

This likely means Tyree in the slot and Diggs in the traditional backfield spot.

With this new opportunity, the freshman running back from Marrero, Louisiana will run for his first 100-yard game in a Notre Dame uniform against Oklahoma State. Achieving this feat will not come easy. The Cowboys’ defense only yielded 100-yard games to a few players during the 2021 season. Diggs’ success is not completely dependent on himself.

He needs a great game from Alt, Kristofic, Patterson, Madden, and Fisher in order to surpass the century mark. If Diggs can consistently rush at a solid clip, it will keep Notre Dame out of 3rd-and-long situations where Oklahoma State’s pass rush can do damage.