In the blink of an eye, Jeremiyah Love can change the entire complexion of a football game. The Notre Dame running back proved that emphatically in the Fighting Irish’s opening round College Football Playoff matchup against Indiana. Love delivered an explosive 98-yard touchdown run, the longest play in CFP history, to set the tone in a dominant Notre Dame victory.
Love’s game-breaking speed was apparent from his very first touch. The sophomore phenom took a handoff, burst through a crease, and outran the entire Indiana defense for a momentum-swinging score. The sensational run showcased the elite acceleration and top-end speed that have made Love one of college football’s most electric playmakers.
Love Finds Creative Ways to Elude Defenders
Simply outrunning opponents isn’t Love’s only specialty. He has a penchant for hurdling would-be tacklers to pick up extra yardage, a skill he put on full display against USC and Army. Love’s unique blend of speed, power, and agility make him a nightmare for defenses to corral in the open field.
I have a lot of confidence to just try things out or do things that I want on the field. Me playing with that freeness to be able do whatever I want to do has allowed me to make more explosive plays happen.
Jeremiyah Love on his creative running style
Perfectionist Mindset Fuels Love’s Evolution
While highlight-reel runs have always come naturally for Love, he has worked tirelessly at Notre Dame to evolve into a complete running back. Love added 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason to withstand the rigors of an expanded workload. He has also made strides as a receiver and in pass protection, rounding out his game to stay on the field in any situation.
- Gained 20 pounds of “physical armor” to handle heavier workload
- Improved route-running by practicing with receivers
- Elevated run reads grade from 88-89% to 94-95%
Next Up: Love Looks to Carry Irish Past Georgia
Love will look to keep his stellar playoff debut going in a CFP quarterfinal matchup against Georgia. The Bulldogs boast a stout run defense but have shown some vulnerability against elite backs this season. Notre Dame will lean heavily on their star running back to control the game and spring some of his signature explosive plays.
I play with confidence. I play free. I’ve just been blessed with great ability. Whenever I’m able to make an explosive or do anything and help this team get stuff going, man, I just feel great.
Jeremiyah Love on embracing his game-breaking role
If Love keeps delivering fireworks, the Fighting Irish could be on the verge of a historic playoff run. The perfectionist running back still sees room to elevate his game to even greater heights. That should be a scary thought for any defense tasked with slowing down Notre Dame’s breakout star. Jeremiyah Love’s playoff coming-out party is still just getting started.
