Finke and Notre Dame Excited For Louisville
Chris Finke has written quite the story over his time at Notre Dame, but he’ll have a chance to start his final chapter on Monday night as the Fighting Irish face off against Louisville.
The Ohio native admitted there was an excitement in the air as it’s the season opener and the team is tired of facing each other every day.
“The excitement level is high as always in week one,” Finke stated. “We’ve been waiting since the Cotton Bowl and itching to get back on the field. It’s been a long time preparing on the practice field and in the weight room. We’re excited to get back out there to work as a unit and play against someone else.”
As Notre Dame prepares to make another run at the College Football Playoff, Finke wants to make certain good habits are developed by playing an efficient game on Monday.
“You have to come out and show what you’ve been doing all offseason,” explained Finke. “You have to show the preparation you’ve been putting to work. Starting strong is always a good feeling. That’s the goal and the focus right now.”
Developing positive momentum is essential, but making a statement is also important. Notre Dame is the only game on Monday and Finke knows all eyes will be on the Irish.
“It’s really important,” Finke said of making a statement. “We’re playing a team who has a new coaching staff. They will be playing hard and asking a lot out of their guys. We’re going to play in their atmosphere. It’s Monday night, primetime and they are going to pack it.
“We’ve done our best to prepare for that atmosphere and we have to handle it when we get there.”
While the atmosphere in Louisville will test the Irish, it won’t be Georgia or Michigan. It will serve as an excellent opportunity to evaluate the mental toughness of the program and a chance for the players to see their hard work be put to the test.
“The mentality is being able to take anything that comes at us,” stated Finke. “From January to spring ball to summer workouts to camp, it’s been about taking whatever Coach (Matt) Balis or practice has in front of us. No second thought and attacking it.”
As for the challenge of preparing for the unknown of a new Louisville coaching staff, Finke is confident they will be well-prepared for the Cardinals.
“We’ve studying the Appalachian State defense and been preparing for that scheme and the ideas those coaches will put towards their personnel,” said Finke. “Coach has put a lot of different film in front of us to study. We trust the preparation they have put in front of us.”