Notre Dame will play the University of New Mexico for the first time on Saturday in the 2019 season home opener. The Fighting Irish won in Louisville on Labor Day despite a lackluster performance, most notably by quarterback Ian Book. Injuries to key players have raised concerns at running back, where starter Jafar Armstrong and reserve Jahmir Smith are not expected to play this week. The injury to Armstrong is more serious and reportedly will keep him on the sidelines until mid-October.
The Lobos have issues of their own, not the least of which is a health scare suffered by head coach Bob Davie during their opening win against Sam Houston State.