Players Preview The Matchup Against #9 Notre Dame
9/20/2023 4:09:00 PM | Football
On how he keeps his cool playing on such a large stage:
“We've been there before.. we played Notre Dame last year and l have some big games under my belt; Penn State, That Team Up North, Georgia. So I've kind of been in that situation before. In the Rose Bowl, I had my first start and I was more nervous for that game than ever. I feel confident in myself and I trust the coaches and our game plan.”
Thoughts on how offense has performed so far and how they keep defense off balance:
“I think we've done a good job. I think moving me around definitely helps the whole offense… it's hard to game-plan for that. If you want to play man, usually [our opponents] want to have their best corners on me, but if l'm in a slot or in motion across the field, it kind of changes the matchups a little bit. Not even just me, sometimes we get Emeka out wide because obviously he's a great outside as well.”
Thoughts on how much better he feels now being on a healthy ankle after spraining in week two last season:
“I feel good with my ankle.. and to be able to decelerate and accelerate on both legs, I’m excited about that.”
On how he’s feeling about the game this weekend:
“I’d say it’s our biggest test yet, a tough environment, a really well-coached team, and a really talented team. But I think everyone has risen to the occasion this week because we know what’s on the line Saturday.”
On if his process changes for a week like this:
“Every week I hold myself to an extremely high standard regardless of who we play or where we play. Now that I have three games under my belt, you know what you’ll need to do during the week to get a step ahead. I think having those three weeks to get in the flow of things and the rhythm of things has been really good.”
On what his preparation for the game entails:
“I think on Friday’s you’re just dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. The last three weeks have felt really good with the work that we’ve put in. So at that point, the last finishing touch is just watching the film. Once you feel like you’re in a good place, I think it’s good to take a step back from football for a little bit and just enjoy the fellowship with your brothers, balancing football and life outside of football.”
On the quick start versus Notre Dame last year:
“It felt good last year to get off to a fast start.. come off fast, come off physical and we are trying to bring that into this year even more. We’re trying to get off to that fast start again and play four quarters because I know the game is going to be won in the fourth quarter.”
On his takeaways from Notre Dame’s defense:
“They’re a very good defense. They’ve got some great players and can do some great things so it’s definitely going to be a challenge for us but we are ready for it.”
On this week’s practices preparing for Notre Dame:
“Each and every week we just try to be consistent but the intensity of practice this week definitely turned up a notch because we are playing Notre Dame. They’re a top ten team so it’s going to be a battle and the intensity definitely has to turn up.”
On how he thinks Kyle handles big games like these:
“Kyle handles the pressure really well. That’s what I like about Kyle. He’s never folding, he’s never panicking. He’s always calm and relaxed. Even when things aren’t going our way, he’s always calm and making sure everyone is on board.. he’s a great leader.”
On if they’re ready for Notre Dame’s challenging offense:
“I think we’re ready for it. We’ve played teams like this before. They’ve got a very good offensive line, very good running backs, good scheme, a lot of counter, a lot of inside zone but when we get on the field, I think it’ll be a good game.”
On what is working well for him this season:
“I think just playing hard and studying the game more than I did before. I think that I’m just playing harder, getting more snaps, and just trying to lead.”
On how he feels about getting more snaps this year:
“It feels good to not have to go off to the side breathing heavy, waiting for someone else to go in for me. I get to stay out there more and help my team out as much as I can. I can be out there as long as they need me to.”
On how the line has been able to grow from week one:
“I think it’s a new challenge every week. Studying is a big part of it, so you know what they’re going to do ahead of time instead of being out there guessing. Because when you guess, that’s when gaps start opening up and big runs.”
On what the excitement factor is going into Notre Dame this week:
“I’m looking forward to this game. I feel like this is a stepping stone for me, and I’m just excited and ready to go.”
On what the difference is in himself compared to last year:
“I’m just level-headed and confident in myself to get out there and do my job. Just coming back from injury, having that uncertainty, and not knowing what’s going to happen, I’m just going to do my job and let the rest fall into place.”
On what it feels like to get back out on the field:
“It feels good. Like I said, I know I can play ball. I know what I can do. So to get out there and show everyone what I can do just feels good.”
On what playing in a big game means to him:
“I'm pretty excited. Notre Dame, they've got a great football team. I think it helps getting some good experience last year in the Georgia game. I think that gives a little bit of confidence that I've been in a big game before.”
On what he's seen from Notre Dame's offense on film:
“They've got a great offense, good quarterback, good running back, good offensive line and the receivers, tight ends are all pretty solid.”
On playing his position at his size:
“Sometimes it gets tough. That's for any slot, though. You're out there in space with a fast guy, sometimes you're not getting as much help when you're to the field in the slot. I've been working on that all through summer and all through now. So I think I've been getting better in that in that place.”
On what his biggest advice to the team had been this week:
“We’re just trying to put ourselves into the game, every single rep at practice. This game has no do-overs. Every single rep matters even if it is practice.”
What stands out about the progress Kyle McCord has made:
“Once you know you’re our guy, naturally you become more of a leader. I think he’s done a really good job.”
On the progress of the offense as a whole and its performance last week:
“I think that just shows that we can put the pieces together, and put them together at the right time. We can do some good things but we have to make sure we’re all on the same page. There's no time to take a breath of fresh air and relax, it’s pedal to the metal.”
