No. 8 Notre Dame is hosting No. 7 Stanford Saturday night in South Bend, Indiana, and will do it without one of its stars. According to 247Sports, running back Jafar Armstrong will miss the game with an infection in his left knee.
His absence will be a big loss for an undefeated Fighting Irish team that is up against their toughest opponent of the young season.
Armstrong is the team leader in rushing touchdowns with five, and is second in rushing yards (245), rushing attempts (47) and yards per attempt among qualifying running backs (5.21). His impact has also been felt in the passing game in 2018, catching seven catches for 87 yards in four games.
The 6-foot-1, 218-pounder had his best game of the year last weekend vs. Wake Forest, rushing eight times for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
With Armstrong out, the spotlight will shine squarely on fellow co-starter Tony Jones, Jr. The 5-foot-11, 220-pounder leads the Irish with 263 yards on 46 carries. Dexter Williams could see more playing time than expected after coming off a four-game suspension, according to 247Sports.
The absence is magnified by the fact that it might be the last big test for coach Brian Kelly's crew. None of Notre Dame's opponents after Stanford are currently ranked in the AP Top 25.
The Cardinal and Fighting Irish kickoff Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.
