This is not the first time Pyron has stepped into a surprising situation. As a true freshman, Pyron stepped in for a struggling Tech team and led the team to a road victory at Virginia Tech, one the more difficult away environments. So far this season, Pyron played the role of a specialist quarterback, subbing in for short-yardage and goal line situations, already totaling four touchdowns. Still, he has not faced anything as daunting as upsetting the No. 12-ranked Irish.
If missing King was not enough, it was also announced on Saturday that junior middle linebacker Kyle Efford would also be out, leaving a massive hole in the middle of the front seven.