Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman did not hold back when asked about running back Jeremiyah Love ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Boise State.
Speaking during his final media session before the contest, Freeman described the junior as a rare player with an extraordinary skill set.
“It’s a good weapon to have,” Freeman said. “I’ll tell you that. He is a unique skill set. One that I probably haven’t been around in my career in terms of what he can do in all aspects of the game of being a running back and running the ball. Use him as a wide out, the ability to lower his shoulder, jump over a defender. He’s really good, and he works at it.”
The No. 21 Irish (2-2) host the Broncos (3-1) at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Both teams enter with momentum, and Freeman believes one-on-one execution will determine the outcome.
Also read: Penn State vs UCLA: ESPN says Nittany Lions will “roll” the Bruins at Rose Bowl
Freeman praises Love’s versatility, warns of Boise State’s defense
Love has been a key spark for Notre Dame’s offense, recording 341 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and a 5.2-yard average per carry. He is joined in the backfield by Jadarian Price, who has run for 273 yards and leads the team with six rushing scores.
The Fighting Irish have scored 56 points in consecutive weeks, including a 56-13 victory over Arkansas.
Freshman quarterback CJ Carr has shown steady command under center, completing 68 percent of his passes for 1,091 yards and nine touchdowns. The Michigan native threw for a season-best 354 yards and four scores in last week’s win.
Also read: Jaylon Smith’s hidden role in Notre Dame landing Tae Johnson revealed
Boise State arrives with an offense producing 38.5 points and 520 yards per game. Junior quarterback Maddux Madsen has thrown for 1,129 yards and nine touchdowns, while senior receiver Latrell Caples leads the team with 15 catches for 240 yards and two touchdowns.
Freeman cautioned that the Broncos’ defense will test his group with its discipline and pressure packages.
“They have a good system. They’re not going to beat themselves. They are very in tune to what gaps they’re hitting, who’s coming, what formation, and they’re going to make you earn everything you get,” he said.
With Notre Dame looking for a third straight win and Boise State seeking a statement on the road, the matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs.