Notre Dame's Youth Is Playing Winning Football

Notre Dame's future is bright based on early returns

Oct 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (27) celebrates after a victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Injuries have stressed the Notre Dame roster

One of the main storylines of Notre Dame's 2024 season, one of the things it will be most known for will be the vast amount of injuries the team has suffered. It has been an onslaught of unfortunate news in this regard since August camp.

Out of necessity, this rash of injuries meant that many young players would have to contribute in major ways very early in their careers. Sure this was going to be great experience for these players, but what would the downside be? Would too many" rookie" mistakes cost the team another win or two? How would these players handle the pressure of being first- or second-year players being called upon to win the Irish games?

Oct 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman shown during the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Playing winning football with no fear

Young players like Drayk Bowen, Bryce Young, Kysgstonn Viliamu-Asa, Leonard Moore, Adon Shuler, Christian Gray, Kennedy Urlacher, Aneyas Williams, and others are playing winning football in key roles on this team. I'm not just impressed with the plays being made on the field, I'm impressed with this group's mentality as well.

There is no fear in this group. They do not freeze on the big stage. They have not needed long adjustment periods acclimating to the college game. This is not only a credit to these players but also the coaches that have recruited and developed them. These players are a big part of Notre Dame's 5-game winning streak this year and will become leaders on future year's teams.

If there is any silver lining to Notre Dame's injury woes this year, it's that these players have started to emerge and succeed.

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