Notre Dame coaches share thoughts before the first game of the season

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Irish are exactly seven days from the start of the Freeman era.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden says they're putting the players in position to be mentally and physically prepared for September 3.

"We had a little mock game today - I don't know if you knew that - so just some situations so it feels different than a practice and guys are in the game like a normal game and it makes you think a little bit differently," Golden said.

If there's anybody on the team that needs the simulated game reps it's starting quarterback Tyler Buchner who, according to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, has the confidence needed leading into week one.

"He's confident right now. Which, I've used that word 100 times talking to you guys but like that, to me, is the number one. He needs to be confident going into the game," said Rees.

While Buchner prepares to be the field general, he won't have to do it on his own. The team recently named Avery Davis, Jarrett Patterson, Michael Mayer, Bo Bauer, JD Bertrand, and defensive end Isaiah Foskey as the team captains.

"Again, when you get guys that are that, you know, that experienced that want to get better. Obviously, that's one of the reasons he's one of our leaders, right," said Golden.

The team will travel to Ohio and play at the Horseshoe just one week from today.