Notre Dame’s offense has displayed impressive versatility this season, successfully navigating an 0-2 start and showing strong capabilities in both passing and running games. The contributions of quarterback CJ Carr, along with running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, have been significant. However, the offensive line has faced a major setback.
Injury Update: Ashton Craig Out for the Season
In a recent game against NC State, starting center Ashton Craig suffered a severe knee injury. Head coach Marcus Freeman announced that Craig will miss the remainder of the season. This marks the second consecutive year Craig has dealt with a season-ending injury, having suffered a similar fate against Purdue last year, which sidelined him for the last 13 games.
Impact of Craig’s Injury on the Offensive Line
The vacancy left by Craig’s injury raises crucial questions about Notre Dame’s offensive line strategy moving forward, especially against rival USC. Last season, veteran Pat Coogan stepped up as a reliable replacement for Craig. However, Coogan transferred to Indiana and is now contributing to one of the best rushing offenses in the nation.
Who Will Step Up?
Sophomore Joe Otting is set to take over as the starting center for Notre Dame. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 308 pounds, Otting has been actively involved in the previous seven games last season and has participated in three games so far this year. He is currently listed as the top center option for the upcoming USC matchup.
- Joe Otting – Sophomore, 6’4″, 308 lbs, from Topeka, Kansas
- Other candidates: Freshman Cam Herron and Sophomore Chris Herek
Challenges Ahead
The center position is crucial to the offensive line’s effectiveness, often going unrecognized. While the departure of Coogan was a tough decision for the program, offensive line coach Joe Rudolph has worked diligently to enhance this unit’s performance. Fans are eager to see how the team will adapt its rushing strategies with a less experienced center taking the helm.
Upcoming Game Details
Notre Dame is scheduled to play USC in South Bend. The kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can tune in to NBC or Peacock to catch the action.
