Notre Dame's defensive line is looking for success against Virginia

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Looking at this season, Notre Dame has dealt with numerous injuries, most recently defensive tackle Howard Cross III, who suffered an ankle injury against Florida State.

Despite this, the defensive line showed impressive strength against the Seminoles. Rylie Mills recorded three sacks in just three quarters, while Donovan Hinish finished with five total tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden talked about the next man up mentality when dealing with injuries.

“You know, there’s no real discussion upstairs or downstairs about this and that doesn’t play out. It’s about whose turn it is and what we have to do,” Golden said. “(Defensive Line) Coach (Al) Washington is doing a great job, and I think the players themselves understand that this is part of the game. Nutrition is part of the game.

“Yes, it was unfortunate and we feel bad for those who suffered an injury, but at the end of the day this match waits for no one,” he continued. “We are on the clock; we had early downs today and the guys stepped up. We had guys move a little bit, play a little more and play a different position. Whatever it is, at the end of the day there is only one standard here, and that is the standard by which we are measured. They understand that, and Wash is doing a great job with them, and now they have to respond to a team that is really managing football well in Virginia.

Saturday’s home game against Virginia is scheduled for 3:30 PM EST here on WNDU.

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