Notre Dame host USC to continue their storied rivalry at home in week eight

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind – The Irish look to overcome Louisville loss in their eight consecutive game.

Eight games in a row is a lot of football with no rest, even for teenagers and guys in their early twenties.

“Nobody's really fatigued or sad or down about anything,” safety Xavier Watts said.

“Today, I felt like it was week one. I felt good today. You know, body wise and mentally like I you know, same old, same old,” tight end Mitchell Evans added.

But that doesn’t explain the outcome against Louisville (20-33) that's got everyone questioning the strength of this team.

“Unfortunately, in that game, we just didn't honor and respect the football in a lot of ways,” offensive coordinator Gerad Parker mentioned.

Offensively, it's not good timing to struggle. Heading into week eight, the Irish face the best offense in the country, led by last year’s Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams.

“He's a really good athlete. So, you know, he's definitely you know, someone that you got to take care of, and you got to make sure you're on your (A) game,” defensive lineman Rylie Mills said.

Through six games he’s thrown 22 touchdowns and over passing 1,800 yards. His athleticism puts pressure on opposing offenses to outscore USC, by improvising and extending plays making it tough for defenses to contain his talent.

“He's talented, you know, and he's smart. You know, he plays with a lot of energy, a lot of moxie. He could beat you with his legs,” said defensive coordinator Al Golden said.