SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame’s high-flying offense got one of its most potent players back with the return of receiver Michael Floyd.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore was second in the nation in receiving yards at 160 yards a game when he broke his left collarbone trying to make a catch against Michigan State on Sept. 19 in the third game of the season.
Floyd, who had a plate placed on the bone the next day, was “hooting and hollering going down the steps” after receiving the news Monday night that he was cleared to play, coach Charlie Weis said Tuesday.
Floyd said although Weis doesn’t plan to play him every play Saturday against Navy, he feels ready for as much as the Irish coaches want to give him.
“I feel like I’m ready to go. I feel good,” Floyd said.
The Irish also received some bad news.
Backup quarterback Dayne Crist is gone for the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Washington State over the weekend.
Crist is scheduled to undergo surgery Friday. He is expected to be out four to six months.
Evan Sharpley, a senior who cut his minor-league baseball season short to come back for a fifth season, will be Jimmy Clausen’s backup.
Pike’s arm on the mend
CINCINNATI — Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike had X-rays that showed his nonpassing arm is healing nicely from surgery.
Pike is expected to practice today wearing a special splint instead of a bulky cast on the left forearm, which was injured Oct. 15 at South Florida. He has missed two games.
Sophomore Zach Collaros led the Bearcats to wins over Louisville and Syracuse, and is likely to start Saturday against Connecticut.
Footnotes.
Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews announced he will retire after spending 47 years coaching, including 26 years with the Seminoles.
• Syracuse suspended tailback Antwon Bailey, defensive end Torrey Ball and offensive guard Andrew Tiller for violating team rules.
• Florida Atlantic quarterback Rusty Smith will miss the remainder of his senior season with a sprained left, nonthrowing shoulder.
The Associated Press
