Notre Dame football has a star emerging, and it couldn’t be coming at a better time
Notre Dame football came out with a massive 27-17 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers on Friday night, winning the first ever College Football Playoff game hosted in a home stadium. For those who tuned in, the Fighting Irish were dominant throughout the night, and that final score does not adequately show just how lopsided the […]
Notre Dame football came out with a massive 27-17 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers on Friday night, winning the first ever College Football Playoff game hosted in a home stadium. For those who tuned in, the Fighting Irish were dominant throughout the night, and that final score does not adequately show just how lopsided the contest truly was.
From an offensive perspective, most people are going to talk about sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love and the run game. While that is the engine that drives this offense, we also saw some positive signs in the passing game led by quarterback Riley Leonard. Wide receiver Jordan Faison had his biggest game in a calendar year, which bodes well for this passing offense down the stretch.
Faison led all receivers with seven receptions for 89 yards on the day. That included a big 44-yard reception in the fourth quarter, which allowed the offense to lengthen their lead, and essentially end the football game. Whether it be making a big play, as a route runner, or winning after the catch, Faison showed he could win in multiple ways on Friday night.
That was by far Faison’s best game of the season, upping his season highs of four receptions for 52 yards against Navy, and the only other game he’s had over 50 yards. It was also the second most productive game of his career, just behind his bowl game performance against Oregon State as a freshman where he had five receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Heading into the 2024 college football season, many expected Faison to be one of the more productive weapons in the passing game for the Irish. After a couple of early receptions against Texas A&M, an ankle injury derailed the season for Faison. He just started to get truly healthy down the stretch, and it showed against the Hoosiers.
If the Irish are going to make a legitimate run down the stretch, they are going to need a couple of pass catchers to step up. Seeing that performance from Faison was extremely positive. Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come.
Notre Dame football could be getting an early Christmas present in the form of some positive injury news
A notable defender could be on the mend for the Notre Dame matchup against Georgia.
