No. 4 Notre Dame Initial Injury Report For No. 1 Miami Hurricanes is Concerning?

As this Saturday is a non-conference matchup, the ACC won't release an official injury report on the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes; meanwhile, No. 4 Notre Dame released one and it doesn't look too good.

The biggest standout is starting defensive tackle Francis Brewu, who is listed as questionable. He left last Saturday's 35-15 win over Navy early in the first quarter because of what is now known to be a left knee injury. Rumors are circulating that it would be a torn ACL, which would be season-ending, but nothing has been legitimately confirmed.

Brewu has logged 16 total tackles, nine solos and seven assists, three tackles for loss, and two sacks. Losing the 20-year-old to a major injury would be a significant blow to Notre Dame's season and National Championship hopes. Brewu will be the biggest name to monitor heading into Saturday's matchup.

Alongside the junior veteran listed as questionable is defensive tackle Jason Onye (right knee). Similar to Brewu, he was injured against Navy, following five snaps played. The sixth-year veteran has only appeared in three total games this season. He's logged four total tackles, two solos and two assists.

Seven players have been ruled out for the top-five rivalry clash, including starting linebacker and captain Drayk Bowen. In a similar case to Onye and Breweu, he left the Navy matchup early with what is listed as a right ankle injury. Bowen is Notre Dame's leading tackler with 45 total, 24 solos and 21 assists, a tackle for loss, two passes broken up, a quarterback hit, and a forced fumble.

Not having the 22-year-old will be a significant void that will need filling.

Safety Brauntae Johnson (left foot) is ruled out and has yet to return to the field since the 41-13 season-opening win over Wisconsin. Given the loss of starting cornerback DJ McKinney, it forces Notre Dame to further rely on depth in the secondary.

The following players have been ruled out:

- Defensive tackle Christopher Burgess Jr. (Left Tibia)

- Defensive tackle Tiki Hola (Right Knee)

- Left tackle Charles Jagusah (Left Humerus)

- Left guard Chris Terek

As Notre Dame lost to BYU a couple of weeks ago, this matchup is viewed as an indicator of whether or not the Fighting Irish will reach the College Football Playoffs. The independent program only has to be ranked within the top 12 to get in.

It will be the first time since the 2016 season, 14th all-time, that the Hurricanes travel to South Bend, Indiana. Although the history isn’t promising (1-12), it’s an opportunity to carve out a new chapter.

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