Marcus Freeman announces Devyn Ford still in concussion protocol, out vs. NC State

Notre Dame running back Devyn Ford is going to miss the team’s game against NC State this weekend, according to head coach Marcus Freeman.

Ford is currently in concussion protocol following an injury that he suffered against Tennessee State last Saturday. He left that game early and missed practice this week. Still, there was some hope that he would be able to go by game day. However, that won’t be the case now.

Earlier this week, Freeman explained that Ford would be day-to-day. So, there was some chance that he could get back in time for the game before today.

“Devyn Ford, he had a concussion,” Freeman said. “So, he’s in concussion protocol. Don’t know the status yet. That will be a day-by-day thing.”

Freeman picked up Ford from the transfer portal out of Penn State. To this point of the season, he has two carries for five yards.

Devyn Ford was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2019 and the fifth-ranked running back overall, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He played four seasons with the Nittany Lions and transferred to Notre Dame with two years of eligibility, thanks to the Covid season and by virtue of only playing four games in 2022. Over the course of his career, he has rushed for 671 yards and six touchdowns.

If there is a silver lining to the loss of Ford for Marcus Freeman and the Irish, it’s that the offense is loaded at running back. Audric Estime can be a workhorse back for the Irish. Meanwhile, Jeremiyah Love has explosive ability out of the backfield. Still, against a tough NC State defense, it’s going to be important for the Irish to be operating on all cylinders.

Marcus Freeman on recent success against ACC opponents

Recently, Notre Dame has had a lot of success against ACC opponents. In fact, Notre Dame hasn’t lost to an ACC opponent since 2017 for 28 straight wins. Ahead of the Irish’s first game against an ACC opponent this season, Marcus Freeman discussed that success.

“The majority of those wins were before I was here. But I think it speaks to Notre Dame and the football program and the players it attracts and really the excellence in our program … and over history. I didn’t know that number, but that’s a lot. And that spans over many years,” Freeman said.

“Credit to the coaches – coach [Brian] Kelly – that had the majority of those wins. And what he’s done here. So we have to just focus on this one, man. … Not trying to give you coach speak but this is the one that’s important.”