No. 4 Notre Dame Rules Out Leading Tackler For Showdown Against No. 1 Miami
Bowen sidelined by ankle injury
Notre Dame’s starting linebacker Drayk Bowen is unavailable for Saturday’s showdown with Miami. An injury to his right ankle will keep the senior out of the game. Bowen is in his fourth year with the Fighting Irish. His absence comes as the fourth-ranked team prepares to face No. 1 Miami.
A key role on defense
Bowen has made a team-high 45 tackles this season. He also has two pass breakups, tied for third on the team, and one fumble recovery. Beyond his statistics, Bowen wears the radio helmet that lets him relay the defensive coordinator’s calls from the sideline to teammates on the field. The fumble recovery also resulted in a touchdown, according to the article.
Freeman downplays the loss
Coach Marcus Freeman played down the importance of being without Bowen, who serves as Notre Dame’s defensive signal-caller on the field. The game is described as the Irish’s biggest of the season. The article also frames the stakes as significant for both teams, saying Miami’s bye and Notre Dame’s possible playoff life are on the line.
Key points
- Drayk Bowen will miss Saturday’s Notre Dame-Miami game with a right ankle injury.
- Bowen leads Notre Dame with 45 tackles this season.
- The senior relays defensive calls using the radio helmet.
- Marcus Freeman downplayed the impact of Bowen’s absence.