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Notre Dame is set to release a secret weapon against Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl. Many think that will be running back Logan Diggs, who is getting his big chance with Kyren Williams bolting for the NFL.

But the real break out star will be another running back, Audric Estime. Estime will shock the Cowboys with his bruising, bowling ball style reminiscent of another Notre Dame star that ran over opponents so often that he became known as “The Bus”.

That’s right, when the final whistle blows, Fighting Irish fans will be raving about comparisons between Estime and the legend, Jerome Bettis. “Note so fast,” you say? How could a back with only a few carries warrant comparison to one of the greatest running backs in history?

In 1990, The first year for Bettis at Notre Dame, he rushed 15 times for 115 yards. That’s over seven yards per carry. Estime has rushed six times for 61 yards in 2021, averaging 10.2 per carry. Bettis came out of high school as the top running back in Michigan, winning the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year honors. Estime was the top running back in New Jersey. That resulted in his selection as The Gatorade Player of the Year.

Not to put any pressure on Estime, but pay close attention as he rips through the Oklahoma State defense. You could be witnessing the beginning of a Hall of Fame career. The same way Notre Dame fans caught a glimpse of the great things to come with Bettis in 1990.

Times have changed, and there is only one Bus. But before all is said and done, Estime will have established his own legend. “The SUV”? Maybe. But whatever nickname is eventually bestowed upon him, this Fiesta Bowl will be his break out party. And as he carries his helmet off the field and heads for the locker room, check out the smile on his face.

It will be the smile of a man who knows that he has just helped his team win. A man who knows his time has come.

About Post Author

Daniel Decheneaux

Daniel tackles all things Notre Dame University, with the Domer News Blog.

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