NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The winner of the Georgia-Alabama match-up in the SEC Championship game is projected to play Notre Dame for the National Championship.

And the SEC has won the past six national championships.

But Irish linebacker Manti Te'o is not phased by the strength of the SEC.

"We're all gonna strap up our pads the same way. We're all gonna strap up our chin straps the same way," Te'o said. "We understand how dominant the SEC has been in the past but it's an opportunity we're looking forward to."

Te'o is getting ready to leave on an awards tour.

He is a finalist for half a dozen major football awards. Including the Heisman Trophy which will be awarded Dec. 8.