Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Louisville in Week 1

3. Tony Jones Jr. leads the Irish in rushing

Everything we’ve seen and heard so far suggests that senior Tony Jones Jr. and junior Jafar Armstrong will be splitting caries to start the season. Armstrong turned many heads while splitting time with Jones during former starter Dexter Williams’s four game suspension to start the 2018 season, but injuries made it difficult for Armstrong to cut out a major role for himself.

Nevertheless, the sophomore still managed to put up 542 total yards and seven touchdowns in 2018, quite an impressive stat line for a player in his first year on the field. Armstrong likely would’ve been even more productive if it wasn’t for Jones, a well-rounded back whose game complemented Williams better than Armstrong’s ever could.

For that reason, Armstrong will likely get a few more carries than Jones due to his explosiveness, but the latter will make his money in passing situations thanks to his pass-blocking proficiency. Armstrong was expected to be the lead back heading into the offseason, but Jones has done enough through camp to stay right alongside his teammate.

Armstrong’s fumble in the Blue-Gold game certainly didn’t help, especially in light of the 40-game streak the Irish are currently riding without a fumble by a running back. Armstrong will likely get the early carries, but standing out in the first game could pave the way for Jones to earn the majority of snaps on this offense. We’ll see if he’s up for the challenge against the Cardinals.