Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush will be back in action on Saturday night after missing the last game with a foot strain. The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder believes he suffered the injury late in the first half against Miami (Ohio), and it worsened over time.

“I would say it was probably the end of the second quarter,” recalled Wimbush. “I can’t remember the exact play, but I think it might have been on one of those hard plants I did. It progressively got worse as the game and night went on.”

The New Jersey native felt he could have played against North Carolina two weeks ago if he needed to, but the time off has allowed his foot to heal fully.

“I would have been able to get out there mentally and operate the offense,” Wimbush stated. “How effectively, we don’t know, but if it came down to it, I think I would have been able to go out there.”

Wimbush hasn’t taken a game snap since September 30th, so the junior quarterback is thrilled to get back on the field after fine-tuning his game and rehabbing the last few weeks.

“It’s been three weeks since I’ve played in a game, so I am excited to get out there with my guys,” stated Wimbush. “Having three weeks to watch more film, work on technique and timing with the receivers to get into a groove has been huge. It will pay huge dividends.”

It wasn’t until late last week that Wimbush totally felt comfortable with how his foot was healing. The bye week and midterm break have allowed him to get a few extra days of rest and it could pay off on Saturday night.

“We got out there for two days during our bye week and I started to feel like myself again,” said Wimbush. “Towards the end of practice on Thursday, my foot was back to where I needed it to be.

“We had a couple of days off, and I rehabbed. I was back out there on Monday, and it felt really good.”

As for his time off, Wimbush was able to observe the game from the sidelines at North Carolina and take mental reps. He was able to provide advice to sophomore quarterback Ian Book as he maneuvered the waters of college football in his first meaningful action.

“It’s a little weird,” Wimbush said of being on the sidelines. “I’ve done it for two years, and it’s not something you want to do after starting five consecutive games. Ian Book did a great job of operating the offense, but I’m excited to get back out there.

“I was trying to tell Ian what I saw when he came off the field. I reciprocated the mutual relationship that he does for me when I’m out there. I tried to help him as much as I could. Any quarterback that has their first start, it’s a whirlwind for them, but he did a great job.”

Wimbush doesn’t have any worries his first game back will be against a rival in a Top 15 showdown.

“I think it’s ideal for anyone playing at this school,” he stated. “We’re excited for USC to come into town. I’m excited to get back out there and put on a show.”

With the time off, Wimbush did get a chance to get an early look at USC and feels prepared to handle what the Trojan defense will throw at him on Saturday.

“I had three weeks to watch a lot more film and prepare for USC,” stated Wimbush. “I have to be prepared for new schemes, but the last few weeks have been great for my preparation with coach (Tom) Rees.”

Entering his sixth start, Wimbush believes he and the Irish offense are ready to take the next step, which would be significant as Notre Dame comes into Saturday’s game averaging 40 points per game.

“The game has slowed down for myself and the rest of the offense,” explained Wimbush. “We’re at a point that we’re going to start clicking on a new level. I’m excited to see what that looks like this weekend. Recognizing the defense is something I had to work on, and I think I did.”

“I know what I have in myself, and the guys know what they have in me. Once the passing game gets going, the perception will change. That’s completely on me. I have to start making plays and the necessary throws.”