Notre Dame Football players chime in on their first task of the season in Columbus, Ohio

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It’s game week and players have their eyes set on their first opponent, The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Just four more days until the Irish take the field at Ohio Stadium.

“It’s my first start playing at Ohio State. Night game,” said starting Quarterback Tyler Buchner.

“It’s been number one on our schedule for a long time,” said Defensive Lineman Jayson Ademilola.

The marquee matchup that everyone has been looking forward to.

“If we can come out with a w, it’ll be a really good start to the season,” said Running Back Chris Tyree.

All eyes will be on two of the top teams in the country. More specifically, on how will new starting quarterback Tyler Buchner perform in his first game of the season.

“I’m definitely really excited. I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to my family coming out and watching me play,” Buchner mentioned.

The team won’t hang their hats on the performance on Buchner, as he can’t play both sides of the ball. Instead, he will rely on the defense. New defensive coordinator Al Golden, will have his hands full with 2021 Heisman finalist CJ Stroud and their number one ranked offense.

But if you ask Defensive Lineman Jayson Ademilola, the defense has been ready show up on Saturday night.

“Whether that’s because we’re playing Ohio State week one or not, we been locked in. We been focused. We been ready to work since day one,” Ademilola added.

And if you’re wondering how the team feels about being the seventeen and a half point underdogs – here’s your answer.

“I see myself on tv, next thing they say 17.5 underdogs but like it is what it is. Ain’t nothing changed. That’s just the responsibility you take on coming here. Like, it is what it is, okay. That’s cool. We’ll talk about it. See about it on Saturday,” Ademilola mentioned.