Notre Dame’s Anthonie Knapp will miss the College Football Playoff championship game against Ohio State due to an ankle injury, but coach Marcus Freeman confirmed on Sunday that Rocco Spindler is expected to play.
Ohio State’s Denzel Burke, dealing with what coach Ryan Day described as an “upper extremity issue,” will be available for the game against Notre Dame in Atlanta on January 20.
The Irish have faced numerous injuries and illness this season but have won 13 consecutive games to reach their first national championship appearance since 1988.
Day noted that his team, aiming for its first national title since 2014, had planned for the possibility of an extended season.
They had implemented strategies to manage the season’s physical demands. “We looked at various metrics and the challenges of playing this many games, including our 16th game,” Day explained. “We knew it would be a battle of attrition at times, so depth and roster management were crucial, as well as how we practice and play. All of this was factored into ensuring we’re still fresh by season’s end.”
Knapp and Spindler were injured during the second quarter of Notre Dame’s semifinal victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Freeman stated that Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for 1,000 yards and scored a touchdown against Penn State despite a sore knee, is expected to be fully recovered. Wide receiver Beaux Collins, who is recovering from a calf strain, is also working to be ready.
Notre Dame’s injury woes began in preseason when offensive lineman Charles Jagusah was sidelined with a pectoral injury. In September, both offensive lineman Jordan Botelho and defensive lineman Jordan Botelho were lost to season-ending injuries in the Purdue game. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison, a projected first-round NFL draft pick, was sidelined with a hip injury in October against Stanford. Defensive lineman Rylie Mills also sustained a season-ending knee injury in the first-round playoff against Indiana.
Knapp suffered a high ankle sprain against Penn State, and Freeman said it’s still unclear how the Irish will adjust their offensive line for the championship game. “We have a week of preparation to figure out the right personnel for this game,” Freeman said. “We’ll know more in the coming days.”
Jagusah, who made his season debut against Penn State after taking over for Spindler, could play either guard or tackle against the Buckeyes. Freeman praised Jagusah for his strong performance despite returning from what was once thought to be a season-ending injury. “He did an incredible job, exactly as we expected,” Freeman said. “Credit to him and coach (Joe) Rudolph for being prepared, and he executed at a high level, which speaks to his preparation.”
Ohio State’s Burke, a four-year starting cornerback, played only 28 snaps in the Cotton Bowl victory over Texas and was replaced by Jermaine Mathews Jr. in the second half. Day explained that Burke’s removal was based on feedback from the player and medical staff.
Day also expressed confidence in Mathews, saying, “He’s earned the trust of his teammates and coaches. He’s a competitive player who loves the game, his teammates, and the challenge of playing for Ohio State.”
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