Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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comfortable. "This is something I've been work- ing on each and every year," Okwara explained. "Transitioning from the de- fensive line to outside linebacker, and then back to defensive line. "I've just been working on my game wherever they put me and I try the best that I can wherever they have me." INJURIES CONTINUE TO MOUNT Much has been made of Notre Dame's injuries woes during the 2015 season. Before reaching their third game of the season, the Irish had already lost four starters to season- ending injuries: quarterback (Malik Zaire), running back (Tarean Folston), nose guard (Jarron Jones) and tight end (Durham Smythe). The injuries have only piled up higher and higher as the season wore on. Against Wake Forest, Notre Dame was also without Jones' replacement at nose guard — sophomore Daniel Cage. "Cage was not feeling well from the Pittsburgh game … we really felt like it was best to keep him out this week," Kelly said after the victory. During NBC's telecast of the Notre Dame-Wake Forest game, it was noted that Cage was held out due to possible concussion symptoms. The loss of Cage forced Notre Dame to mix around the line, and the results were not always what Kelly wanted. At the end, though, the Irish defense held Wake Forest to just seven points, which propelled the win. "There were some run fits that weren't quite as efficient as they have been," the Irish head coach said. "… I thought we were a little soft on some of our releases. But all in all, we had to move some players around to get the front the way we wanted it." Sophomore defensive end Andrew Trumbetti replaced Cage in the start- ing lineup, with Notre Dame choos- ing to slide junior defensive end Isaac Rochell inside. Notre Dame lost some girth, but the insertion of Trumbetti — who notched a 28-yard interception Nose guard Jarron Jones has not played this year due to a knee injury, but he dressed in uniform and took part in the Senior Day festivities. He is working his way back from the injury and hopes to play in the postseason. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA