Flu outbreak hits Notre Dame ahead of Orange Bowl clash with Penn State

On January 10, 2025By Littum

An upset loss to Northern Illinois and a series of injuries throughout the year have been obstacles Notre Dame football has had to overcome.

Now, just hours before kickoff for the Orange Bowl against Penn State, another has emerged for Notre Dame as part of the team is reportedly battling the flu.

Tyler Horka of On3 Sports offered the following news late Thursday morning, about seven hours before kickoff.

Was told the flu is going around the Notre Dame locker room. Those who do have it bad, but it sounds like it’s mostly backups and special teams players. Still something to monitor for the Fighting Irish heading into the Orange Bowl vs. Penn State tonight.

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) 9 January 2025

Injuries are one thing, a dressing room virus is another. It may be more backup players and special teams players, but of course special teams is a big part of what makes Notre Dame tick.

It’s definitely something to watch, but in a weird way, it’s also part of Notre Dame history.

Maybe Joe Montana should just make some chicken soup and get on a private jet down to Miami at kickoff tonight.

Kickoff between Notre Dame and Penn State is set for just after 7:30 PM ET Thursday night in a game that can be seen on ESPN.

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