Notre Dame football faces its most significant game in decades on Thursday night as they prepare to take on Penn State. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the program, but they’ll enter the game without several key players and with others who are battling injuries, limiting their ability to perform at full capacity.
One of the primary concerns for the Fighting Irish is the status of Jeremiyah Love. Fans and analysts alike are worried about how healthy the standout player truly is. Head coach Marcus Freeman has offered vague updates on Love’s condition, previously stating that Love was “as healthy as possible” prior to their matchup against Georgia. However, that assessment proved to be overly optimistic, as Love’s knee injury limited his effectiveness in that game. Although he has returned to practice this week, concerns remain, as his knee doesn’t appear to be fully recovered.
While there is some hope that Love might see more action than he did against Georgia, another player, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (KVA), is starting to draw attention for his potential impact. Initially, expectations were low regarding his availability, especially after his limited participation earlier in the season. However, in the week leading up to the Sugar Bowl, there were whispers that Viliamu-Asa could play, and he eventually saw action in that game.
In the Sugar Bowl, Viliamu-Asa played just 13 snaps, primarily as a pass rusher. While his performance didn’t leave a significant mark—earning low grades from Pro Football Focus—it’s important to note that it was his first game back since the Army matchup, where he only logged six snaps. Given the circumstances, simply stepping onto the field was a victory for both Viliamu-Asa and the Irish defense, which has been plagued by injuries throughout the season.
This week, Viliamu-Asa was seen practicing with a brace on his right knee. Unlike Love, however, the brace didn’t appear to restrict his movement much. Observers noted that he looked sharp in practice, consistently disrupting plays and blowing past blockers. While it remains uncertain how many snaps he will be able to contribute against Penn State in the Orange Bowl, his presence alone could be pivotal. The talented freshman has already shown flashes of brilliance this season, recording 29 tackles, one sack, and an interception.
If Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa can make an impact and Jeremiyah Love manages to play a meaningful role, Notre Dame could have a chance to pull off a major upset against Penn State. Both players represent the resilience and determination of a team looking to make a statement on the national stage.
