Devastating Blow for Underdog Notre Dame: Five Players Withdraw from Buckeyes Clash Due to Injury and Illness
In a significant setback for the Fighting Irish, five Notre Dame players have been ruled out of the highly anticipated clash against the Ohio State Buckeyes due to a mix of injuries and illness. Head coach Marcus Freeman now faces an uphill battle as his team prepares to take on one of the top-ranked programs in the nation.
The list of sidelined players includes standout linebacker JD Bertrand, who has been pivotal in anchoring Notre Dame’s defense this season. Bertrand is reportedly dealing with a lingering shoulder injury that worsened in recent weeks. Alongside him, running back Audric Estimé, who has been a consistent force in the Irish backfield, is out with a hamstring strain sustained during practice.
Wide receiver Jayden Thomas is another key absence, with the junior ruled out due to a bout of the flu that has swept through parts of the team. On the defensive side, cornerback Benjamin Morrison will be missed as he recovers from a sprained ankle suffered in last week’s game. Rounding out the list is offensive lineman Joe Alt, whose upper-body injury will prevent him from taking the field. Alt’s absence is particularly concerning, as he has been instrumental in protecting quarterback Sam Hartman.
Coach Marcus Freeman addressed the losses in a press conference, emphasizing the team’s resilience despite the challenges. “It’s never easy losing key players, especially ahead of a game of this magnitude,” Freeman said. “But this team has always embraced the underdog mentality, and we’ll continue to fight with the same grit and determination that defines Notre Dame football.”
The timing of these setbacks couldn’t be worse. Notre Dame was already entering the game as an underdog against Ryan Day’s Ohio State squad, which boasts an explosive offense led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. With Notre Dame missing several starters, the challenge of containing the Buckeyes’ high-powered attack has become even more daunting.
Despite the odds, Freeman remains optimistic about his team’s ability to adapt and compete. “Football is about stepping up when adversity strikes,” Freeman added. “We have faith in the next man up to deliver and show what this program stands for.”
As the Fighting Irish head to Columbus, the loss of these five key players puts their depth and determination to the ultimate test. Fans will be watching closely to see if Notre Dame can rally behind their coach and embrace their underdog role on one of the biggest stages in college football.
