Preparation is officially underway for Notre Dame’s Sugar Bowl quarterfinal matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Fighting Irish have faced injuries throughout the season, and they’ll have more challenges to navigate as they gear up for the Jan. 1 game in New Orleans. On Monday, head coach Marcus Freeman announced that defensive tackle Rylie Mills will miss the rest of the season due to a right knee injury sustained during last Friday’s first-round victory over Indiana. Freeman indicated that left guard Rocco Spindler, who rolled his right ankle against the Hoosiers, is “questionable” for the game against the Bulldogs. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is also a question mark.
The freshman missed the Indiana game and the regular season finale against Southern Cal after injuring his knee during Notre Dame’s Shamrock Series matchup against Army on Nov. 23. Freeman noted, “Mostly he’s been rehabbing. He’s obviously worked on the mental side, but he hasn’t been able to practice. We now want to see his progress in practice and build his confidence.” This season, Viliamu-Asa has accumulated 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, one pass breakup, and two quarterback hurries. He is one of only four true freshmen to participate in all of Notre Dame’s first 11 games this season.
The outlook for offensive lineman Charles Jagusah is also improving. Jagusah, who suffered a pectoral/shoulder injury during the first week of training camp, missed all 12 regular-season games and the Indiana game. He began practicing last week, and Freeman confirmed he will be available for the Sugar Bowl, though his exact role on the offensive line is still to be determined. “He really hasn’t been practicing much,” Freeman said. “This will be his first full week of practice. We’ll assess his best position as we continue to game plan.
The offensive line has shown great consistency and done a fantastic job, so we’ll do what’s best for Notre Dame while having confidence in the players who have been there, along with Charles’ return.” Additionally, freshman linebacker Bodie Kahoun (right lower leg) and wide receiver KK Smith (clavicle) are both questionable this week. Kahoun participated in games against Florida State, Virginia, and Army before his injury, while Smith, who has played in six games this season, got hurt on Nov. 16 against Virginia.
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