A year ago, Notre Dame’s receivers slowly wore out, getting less and less separation from defenders, an effect of playing only three wideouts for much of the season. The Irish hoped to avoid that in 2019, and with a bevy of youngsters searching for playing time, it seemed likely.
Yet, only three receivers have more than three catches. That should change this weekend with a fourth possibly getting that many catches in just one half. Junior Michael Young’s return from a broken collarbone not only adds his play-making abilities to Notre Dame’s offensive repertoire, but it may also embolden those of others.