Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. USC in Week 7
By Jacob Wilson
2. Jafar Armstrong rushes for 150 yards
The Irish really poured it onto a Bowling Green team that was in over their heads at Notre Dame Stadium, rushing for 233 yards on 34 carries. It was an overall light workload for Tony Jones Jr., a third-down back who has taken on the No. 1 job in the wake of Jafar Armstrong’s abdominal tear in Week 1 against Louisville.
However, Armstrong is slated to return to action against USC, a perfect time to come back considering the redshirt decisions that will need to be made sooner rather than later. Logistical reasons aside, Armstrong’s presence has been dearly missed on the field as Jones isn’t exactly an every-down back.
Armstrong’s background as a wide receiver has provided him with significant athleticism and explosiveness, something Jones lacks as he caters more towards pass-blocking and strengths associated with that kind of skill set.
The Irish haven’t been as consistent in the passing game as they were last year, so it’ll be important for Armstrong and Co. to create opportunity for the rest of quarterback Ian Book’s offense. If Armstrong is 100 percent, look for him to earn the majority of touches in a game that could hinge on his performance.