Bilal: 'The opponent is really ourselves'
Asmar Bilal is a simple guy and the fifth-year senior has focused on keeping things simple this week as No. 7 Notre Dame prepares to take on No. 3 Georgia on Saturday night in Athens.
“I think the guys are certainly excited,” stated Bilal. “We have to remain focused and understand it’s like any other opponent. We have to stay locked in and prepare how we would for any other opponent.”
Georgia boasts an explosive offense and it starts with running back D’Andre Swift, but Bilal’s attention isn’t on the Bulldogs offense as much as it’s on his own game and those around him.
“The opponent is really ourselves,” explained Bilal. “We have to focus on the mental, technical and tactical parts of the game. Coach will put us in a great position and we have to execute.”
Quarterback Jake Fromm is also another name to watch on Saturday as the junior is completing 75 percent of his passes.
Bilal is aware of Fromm’s talent and ability to change a game, but he knows if the defense does its job, all will be well.
“That’s not really a concern of mine or my teammates,” Bilal said. “We have to focus on our process.
“Our preparation isn’t going to deviate or change for an individual player. We just have to focus on the game plan.”
The Notre Dame linebackers have been a carousel of players and rotations through two games and it doesn’t look like it’s changing in the near future. Bilal is fine with it as he knows each guy has the ability to play at a high level.
“All of us are capable of playing,” said Bilal. “We have to compete and we go out and compete every week to make sure we’re fresh to have success.”
Bilal has been keeping in close contact with a former Notre Dame linebacker Drue Tranquill, who has continued to advise the Indianapolis native after making the same switch to inside backer from rover.
“He hit me up before he played against Detroit,” said Bilal. “We keep in touch and we’ve been talking every week.
“He’s just been giving me different advice on my game and technique. Nothing scheme-wise, but he watched the game and critiqued me. It’s been good and great to have him.”