Penn State Locker Room Dealing With Nasty Illness Before Kickoff

01/09/2025 06:16 PM

Notre Dame and Penn State are less than two hours away from kickoff at the Orange Bowl on Thursday night. It sounds like both teams might be playing at less than 100 percent.

Earlier on Thursday, reports surfaced, indicating that Notre Dame's locker room was dealing with an outbreak of the flu. The flu was reportedly affecting some backups and special teams players. However, those who have it, reportedly "have it bad." A nasty flu has been swirling across much of the country this week, sidelining Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and some notable NFL players, too.

But Notre Dame says that the outbreak won't impact Thursday night's game.

"It will have no impact on the game," the official told CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello.

"[Wide receiver] Beaux Collins was impacted in the Sugar Bowl, but still played and was on the mend during the game."

Penn State is reportedly dealing with something too, however. Rumors are swirling suggesting that the Nittany Lions have been dealing with an outbreak of food poisoning.

Penn State is believed to be dealing with a "mass case" of food poisoning leading up to kickoff on Thursday night.

We could be in store for a low-scoring game on Thursday evening, if both teams are playing at less than 100 percent. These are two very good defensive teams, as well.

Looks like whoever loses tomorrow already has an excuse lined up. #EverybodyisSickpic.twitter.com/8rP8JLe6Z1

— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) January 8, 2025

Hopefully, it's nothing too serious, and both teams have been loading up with fluids and vitamins before kickoff on Thursday evening.

Notre Dame and Penn State are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. E.T. on Thursday evening. The game will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. ESPN's Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Molly McGrath and Katie George will be on the call.

The winner will move on to the College Football Playoff national title game, facing either No. 5 Texas or No. 8 Ohio State. The Longhorns and the Buckeyes are scheduled to play in the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas on Friday evening.

That game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. E.T. on Friday with Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit on the call.