Notre Dame Football: The Importance of Michael Floyds Reinstatement to the Team

Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd's session in limbo is now over.

Head coach Brian Kelly announced yesterday that the All-American receiver has been reinstated to the football program in South Bend.

The 6'3", 220-pound Minnesota native was arrested March 20 for operating while intoxicated near campus.

As fans, let's take a step back and consider the significance of Kelly's decision to allow Floyd to play this season.

To think that Floyd was one poor decision away during his suspension from never playing another down in an Irish uniform is terrifying. The offense simply isn't the same without him.

Had Floyd not been reinstated, the Irish offense becomes an average unit at best. Think about it. Which receiver fills Floyd's shoes if he doesn't play? None of them.

No receiver currently on the roster comes anywhere close to what Floyd brings to the game.

He's a vertical threat who seemingly grabs any ball thrown within a five foot radius of his frame.

Look at the last four games of last season when Tommy Rees was the starter at quarterback. He was thrown into the fire, but was limited in which plays he was able to execute.

It seemed as if each time Rees dropped back to throw, his eyes immediately flicked to Floyd. Despite telegraphing his passes, it still worked out in Notre Dame's favor.

What would have happened had Rees not had Floyd to throw to?

Let's not even imagine the outcomes.

Floyd's reinstatement doesn't just affect the offense; it affects the trajectory of the team's success this season.

Many believed that without Michael Floyd, Notre Dame was automatically out of the running for an invitation to a BCS game. I have to agree with that sentiment.

There's no way that Kelly's squad crashes the BCS party without its star player.

It's amazing to think that one player can elevate a team like Floyd does.

Let's just be happy that he'll be playing football this season.