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Notre Dame dealing with flu issues ahead of Orange Bowl CFP semifinal, per report

Published: Jan 9, 2025 · 1:30 PM EST

Notre Dame reportedly will not be at full strength for Thursday night’s CFP semifinal clash with Penn State at the Orange Bowl.

Ahead of the showdown, Tyler Horka of On3 reported flu is going around the Notre Dame locker room. While no team wants to deal with health issues with the season one the line, Horka noted that indications are mostly backups and special teams players are dealing with the bug.

Been told the flu is going around the Notre Dame locker room. Those who have it have it bad, but it sounds like that’s mostly backups and special teams players. Still something to monitor for the Fighting Irish going into the Orange Bowl vs. Penn State tonight.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) January 9, 2025

A Notre Dame official speaking to Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports downplayed the impact, saying it is only a few players and staffers over the last couple of weeks.

Notre Dame official to @CBSSports/@247Sports: “A few players and staff” have had flu or virus in last 10-14 days.

“It will have no impact on the game. Beaux Collins was impacted in the Sugar Bowl, but still played and was on the mend during the game.”
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) January 9, 2025

At this time, Notre Dame is a 1.5-point favorite at DraftKings priced at -115. On spread action, the sportsbook has received 65% of wagers for 65% of the handle (money bet) on the Irish. Moneyline action is splitting 55% of bets on Notre Dame -118 for 58% of the handle.

Thursday’s showdown between No. 6 seed Penn State and 7-seed Notre Dame is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The game will air on ESPN.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.