Key Injured Players Returning Will Give Notre Dame a Boost In Music City Bowl
By Nick Wilder
@NickCWilder
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
The overall disaster that was the second-half of the regular season for Notre Dame occurred for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most significant cause was due to injuries, specifically to key defensive players. Fortunately for the Fighting Irish, they’ll be getting three of those players back from injury for their matchup with LSU in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30.
Head coach Brian Kelly announced on Saturday that safety Max Redfield (ribs), defensive tackle Sheldon Day (knee) and cornerback Cody Riggs (foot) would all be returning for the team’s bowl game. Redfield missed most of the team’s final game against USC, Day was sidelined for the last two games of the regular season and Riggs had been dealing with a stress reaction in his foot since Nov. 1.
The return of these three players will provide the team with a much-needed boost of energy and added experience. The team allowed at least 30 points to their opponents in each of their last seven games and will certainly welcome Redfield, Day and Riggs back with open arms.
Out of the three players set to return from injury against LSU, the most critical one may prove to be Day. In 10 games played this season, he posted 7.5 tackles for loss and 38 total tackles. LSU’s strength has consistently been their ability to run the ball, and having Day back on the team’s defensive line will be vital in their attempt to slow down the Tigers’ attack.
Notre Dame didn’t receive an easy opponent in LSU for their bowl matchup this season, but having Day, Redfield and Riggs back on the defensive side of the ball will certainly increase their chances of pulling off an upset victory.
Nick Wilder is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickCWilder and add him to your network on Google.
Defense Key To Stanford Bowl Victory
The Stanford Cardinal need to avoid a letdown playing in a lesser bowl after a down season if they hope to defeat the Maryland Terrapins. Read More
Quick Lane Bowl: Rutgers Makes B1G Statement
Rutgers won big in Detroit's Quick Lane Bowl against the UNC Tar Heels, proving they're worth of a spot in the Big Ten. Read More
Rutgers Football: Momentum for 2015 Building
Rutgers continued its upward trajectory by thrashing a talented North Carolina team in Detroit. The Scarlet Knights are primed for a strong sophomore year in the Big Ten in 2015. Read More
UNC Should Have Declined Quick Lane Bowl Invite
North Carolina's lack of effort for three and a half quarters showed their lack of interest in being in Detroit. See why the program never should have been there in the first place. Read More
Strong Key to Sun Devils' Sun Bowl Win
If Arizona State wants to save its lost season, they are going to have to rely on a player playing his final collegiate game -- Jaelen Strong. Read More
Kessler Key to Trojans' Holiday Bowl Victory
Cody Kessler will need to continue his impressive play if the USC Trojans hope to defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Holiday Bowl. Read More
Illinois Needs New Coach After Pitiful Bowl Loss
In front of a mostly empty Cotton Bowl crowd, Louisiana Tech dropped the Illini to 6-7 on the back of big plays and Illinois mistakes. See why the main reason for that is because of Tim Beckman. Read More
10 CFB Underclassmen Should Enter The NFL Draft
Some college football prospects deserve the chance to compete at the next level. Here are 10 college football underclassmen who should declare for 2015 NFL Draft. Read More
10 CFB Underclassmen Who Shouldn't Enter NFL Draft
Here are 10 college football players who shouldn't go pro. Read More
How the Bucks can beat Alabama in 2015 Sugar Bowl
Alabama has been nearly unstoppable this season, but they're not unbeatable. Here's what the Buckeyes must do in order to come away with a victory. Read More
Ranking Oregon Duck Football 2014 Uniforms
All 14 Oregon Ducks uniforms ranked. Oregon could wear a million different combinations, but as it turns out the top choice is one you’ve seen before. Read More
Longhorns Will Be Different Team in 2015
The Texas Longhorns scored big with Malik Jefferson and his teammate DeAndre McNeal, but they still hope to land at least one of three four-star rated players in the coming weeks. Read More