Notre Dame does not have any choice; it will need to establish a running game without its expected top back. Doing so will require more than senior Tony Jones, even if he does finally produce on Saturdays as he has in practice for years.
The first name behind Jones made itself clear during Monday’s 35-17 victory at Louisville when sophomore Jahmir Smith (pictured at top) scored twice on three red-zone carries, part of his eight rushes for 24 yards. But Smith is limited, at least for the time being, by a wrist injury requiring a cast.