Michigan State University Athletics
Player Analysis: Notre Dame
9/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 16, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Members of the Michigan State football team met with the media after Tuesday's practice to talk about this week's game against Notre Dame. The Spartans and Fighting Irish will meet Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Notre Dame Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on NBC.
Sophomore quarterback Kirk Cousins
On players responding at practice...
We are going to have to respond, we can't react. We can't lash out or start making excuses or complaints. We just have to respond in a positive way, and we are going to do that. That's the way the coaches have taught us and that's why we go through all the workouts that we do, to be able to respond to tough situations. We'll come back out tomorrow and have another good practice.
On his first time playing at Notre Dame...
I remember when I redshirted (in 2007) and watched the game on TV, just dreaming of being able to play down there, and it looks like Saturday that will become a reality. I'm extremely excited for that opportunity. We have to perform and play inspired football, because it is going to be a battle for four quarters.
On the Notre Dame rivalry...
It is a huge rivalry. It's just going to be a great opportunity to play in a stadium where so many great players have played, but obviously we need to come out of there with a win.
Senior wide receiver Blair White
On the Notre Dame rivalry...
It means a lot, but it is pretty much the same as preparing for any other game. The atmosphere at Notre Dame is just a different atmosphere than anywhere else, and I think that brings a different emotion to the game. It will be fun, and we are preparing hard.
On players responding at practice...
I think we are on the right track. We are working through some things, but we will be ready for Saturday.
On taking anything out of last year's win at Spartan Stadium...
As far as personnel and watching film, I think we can use some of that. But they've got some really good players and we'll have to be ready for them.
On his performance the first two games...
Well, I have a couple drops. But it is just nice to be a target for the quarterback, because I know they want to make some plays. I'm just excited to help the team out any way I can.
Junior linebacker Eric Gordon
On winning at Notre Dame Stadium in 2007...
That was my freshman year, so it was a great experience going down there for my first away game. We just have to stay composed down there and play our game.
On the Notre Dame rivalry...
It is a big rivalry. It's a good school, they have a lot history, and we're battling for the megaphone trophy.
On defensive adjustments at practice...
We ran around a lot on defense. This week we are just trying to get our defense back to flying around to the ball.
On Notre Dame's offense...
We do have to watch out for what they do. But, if we play our game, go in with our game plan that we know best and are comfortable with, I think we will be all right.
Senior cornerback Jeremy Ware
On playing at Notre Dame...
Well, it will be my first time, so I've been asking around what is good and bad. But I am mentally ready.
On defensive adjustments...
We made a lot of adjustments on Sunday, but today we are just focused on Notre Dame. They are two different teams; you can't take the game plan from Central Michigan into Notre Dame. So now we have a game plan for Notre Dame.
Junior tight end Charlie Gantt
On playing the Fighting Irish in South Bend...
It's all I've been thinking about ever since the Central game, trying to get that game out of my head. I went down there two years ago - there's not much like walking into Notre Dame Stadium and experiencing its atmosphere. I definitely have Notre Dame on my mind right now.
On the feeling of the first time he walked through the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium...
I got goose bumps. I didn't even play, but I remember the two teams facing each other in the tunnel. That was awesome.
On the offense after the first two games...
I know myself and the team can be a lot better. I'm trying to come out here and improve every day. I practice as hard as I can so I can play as best I can.
