This week the Irish welcome the University of New Mexico Lobos to South Bend for the first meeting all-time between these schools. Both teams are looking to start their respective seasons with back to back wins. The Irish traveling to Kentucky beating the University of Louisville 37-17, and New Mexico beating FCS school Sam Houston State 39-31.
Both teams come into this week with injuries they will have to deal with. Notre Dame is missing Junior running back Jafar Armstrong who had two carries vs. Louisville for 10 yards before having to leave with an injury which is going to sideline the Junior for at least a month maybe two. Senior running back Tony Jones Jr. and Sophomore running back Jahmir Smith will have to handle an increased workload with the injury to Armstrong. It did not affect the duo to much against Louisville with Jones Jr. carrying the ball a team-leading 15 times during the victory, and Smith carried the ball for two touchdowns.
New Mexico has some major injuries and health issues. Their head coach will not make the trip to South Bend with the team because of a recent health scare which led him to be hospitalized. They are also going to be without injured starting quarterback Brandt Hughes, who tore his labrum in the game vs Sam Houston. New Mexico will also be without team captain top defender Aaron Blackwell who suffered a season-ending ACL injury during week one.
Last week Notre Dame attacked Louisville on the ground and in the air with 423 yards of total offense, rushing the ball for over 200 yards as a team with Senior running back Tony Jones Jr. leading the team with 110 yards rushing carrying the ball 15 times and a touchdown. While Senior quarterback Ian Book threw for 193 yards going 14 for 23 on passing attempts. Senior wide receiver Chase Claypool led the team in receiving Catching 5 passes for 94 yards.
New Mexico had 490 yards of total offense vs. Sam Houston State, rushing the ball for 150 yards led by senior running back Ahmari Davis who rushed for 107 yards carrying the ball 16 times and two touchdowns in the victory. Junior quarterback Brandt Hughes threw for 218 yards going 12 for 29 passing before getting injured forcing backup quarterback Senior Sheriron Jones into the game who threw for 122 yards going 6 for 11 on passing attempts. The Lobos leading receiver was Redshirt Senior Anu Somoye catching 3 passes for 62 yards.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 pm with the game broadcast available nationwide on NBC.
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