Beaux Collins has mostly been a spectator during Notre Dame football’s playoff run. He had 2 catches for 18 yards against Indiana. He had 1 catch for 13 yards (and a touchdown) against Georgia. He didn’t play against Penn State. But he’s ready to come back and play against Ohio State.
Jeremiah Love, on the other hand, has played in every playoff tilt. He had the 97-yard touchdown against Indiana. He had the tough-fought touchdown against Penn State and in between he had some decent runs. But he’s also been hampered by a knee injury and a brace.
Both Love and Collins are not only expecting to step on the field for Notre Dame football on Monday night. They’re both expecting to be 100% and ready to go full bore. And that should have Ohio State more than a little worried.
Notre Dame football has its two best weapons back against Ohio State
"About three days ago it started to truly feel better,” Collins told Pete Thamel this weekend. “I was able to run, do some skips and things like that."
The wideout stressed how important downfield passing would be for ND as they expect OSU to load the box to stop the run.
"We got to take some shots downfield to loosen 'em up a little bit, and it's the most important thing in this game for sure."
Meanwhile Love was spotted during workouts over the weekend not wearing a brace on his right knee. That’s significant because he wore the brace in the Orange Bowl against Penn State. Earlier in these playoffs, Love said after Notre Dame’s first-round win over Indiana that playing without a brace allows him to run with more freedom.
Earlier in game prep, head coach Marcus Freeman made it clear he believes that the star running back is 100% and ready to go against Ohio State. It’s just a matter of hours now and we’ll see just how healthy either one of these players are.
Notre Dame football will need them, as well as every arrow in the quiver in order to topple the Buckeyes.