Notre Dame's Louis Nix out for rest of the season

Notre Dame nose tackle Louis Nix III will miss the last two games of the Irish's season coach Brian Kelly told reporters. That could also include the bowl game if the team elects to play in one.

Nix has undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus as the Fighting Irish prepare to take on BYU.

Nix has been banged up this season. He missed a game against Air Force due to tendonitis and a shoulder injury was suffered in a game against USC.

This is a big blow to the Irish defense as they'll have to go against a BYU team that has been solid on the ground this season.

Nix is expected to be a high draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Getting surgery now rather than waiting until after the season will give him more time to rehab and prepare for the NFL Draft. It would make sense to get it taken care of now with the Irish not competing for any big bowl game or championship and Nix still in position to be drafted highly if he is in optimum shape.

That all depends if he decides to come back to school for the 2014 season.

Notre Dame will be without Louis Nix against Air Force

The Notre Dame defense will be without a big part of their defensive line.

Defensive tackle Louis Nix suffered a shoulder injury last week against USC and hasn't practiced this week. He won't be playing in this Saturday's game versus Air Force.

Head coach Brian Kelly says it's knee tendinitis that will be keeping Nix on the sidelines. Nonetheless, the Fighting Irish will miss the big man's presence. Even though Air Force is 1-6, the Falcons average around 54 carries a game using the triple option.