As Notre Dame gears up for a monumental national championship showdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes, players and coaches from both teams have been busy engaging with the media. Among them, Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden shared insights on several crucial topics during a recent press conference. Here are five key takeaways from his remarks.
On NFL Rumors and His Focus on the Game
Amid speculation about a possible return to the NFL, particularly with the Cincinnati Bengals, Golden emphasized his current focus on Notre Dame’s championship game. “It’s humbling that your name is mentioned because of the team success or the success of our defense,” Golden said. “But at the end of the day, this is not the time or the place. This is about the kids.”
Golden reflected on the enormity of the game and the importance of seizing the opportunity. “There’s nothing more important than our players and our performance in this opportunity,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to the team’s success.
On Notre Dame Coach Mike Mickens and the Defensive Back Room
Golden praised defensive backs coach Mike Mickens for his relentless commitment to player development. “Coach Mickens’ office is right next to mine. He’s always working with the players, watching tape, and preparing them for the challenges ahead,” Golden noted. He credited the leadership of players like Xavier and Ben Morrison for their impact before Morrison’s injury.
Golden also highlighted the contributions of younger players like Christian Gray and Leonard Moore, who stepped up during challenging times. “Are we here without Christian Gray or Leonard Moore? Probably not. They answered the call, and the rest is history,” he said.
On the Key to Notre Dame’s Winning Streak
Golden attributed the team’s long winning streak to head coach Marcus Freeman’s leadership. “Coach Freeman’s focus on staying humble and hungry, and not letting us forget the lessons from early losses, has been crucial,” Golden explained. He emphasized the importance of collective effort and preparation in achieving success.
On Pressuring the Quarterback
Discussing the strategy to pressure Ohio State’s quarterback, Golden stressed the need to disrupt the opposing offense. “We can’t let anybody be comfortable back there,” he said. Golden underscored the importance of effective pass rushes and winning those crucial battles on the field.
On the Importance of Thursday’s Practice
Golden reiterated the significance of preparation, especially in the days leading up to the championship. “The biggest thing for us right now is understanding the enormity of this game,” he said. He emphasized the need for a strong Thursday practice to set the tone for the team’s performance.
As Notre Dame prepares for the highly anticipated clash, Golden’s focus remains firmly on the task at hand, ensuring his players are ready to rise to the occasion.
