Notre Dame players hoping to avoid letdown against Wake Forest

While wins over ranked opponents have the fan base excited, Notre Dame knows that 5-3 Wake Forest still presents a difficult task.

"It's going to be a tough opponent," said tight end Durham Smythe. "It's another opportunity for us and I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm excited to get matched up with another talented defense."

Going against a talented defense is nothing new to the Irish, as former Wake Forest defensive coordinator Mike Elko has turned the Notre Dame unit into a daily test for the offense.

"There are some similarities for sure," said offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey. "Our defense has evolved a lot differently and their not the same from when they started. That's a testament to Coach Elko."

However, Notre Dame's defense is preparing to face a defense that plays a different style than past opponents.

"They like to go fast," said defensive lineman Jerry Tillery. "Conditioning has been a big thing this week. Alignments, assignments, making calls fast so we can get in position to defend the play."

However, the concept of domination has not changed.

"If we're able to really exert our will on them throughout the game," said Tillery. "I think what they want to do starts to break down, so that's our plan."

"Wake Forest is Wake Forest," said McGlinchey, "and they'll have a special gameplan for Notre Dame because of the success we've had so far."