Alohi Gilman Not Focused on National Narrative
Alohi Gilman wasn't pleased on Saturday night and on Tuesday, the Notre Dame captain still wasn't happy with the loss to Michigan.
Preparation has been a focus word over the last two seasons and Gilman knows it starts there if the Irish want to get back on track when Virginia Tech comes to South Bend on Saturday.
“You learn from the experience and that’s where I’m at and I think that’s where the team is at. We have to focus on this week and what we have to do to be the best version of ourselves to go out and execute on game day.”
"We didn't lose the game on Saturday," stated Gilman. "We lost the game through the week of preparation. We have to do somethings better to prepare ourselves week to week. That's kind of our focus right now.
"We have to focus on Virginia Tech and what we have to do to beat them. We 're focused on going 1-0 this week."
Where does Notre Dame need to improve on preparation?
Gilman wasn't giving too many details, but it starts with the small stuff.
"It's just the little things," explained Gilman. "Those things count on the bigger end. It has nothing to do with the care factor. Everybody's care factor is high and we have guys who care a lot.
"We have to fix those small things to put us in the right places."
Notre Dame wasn't sharp in man areas, but the Irish defense didn't make routine plays as they had over the first six weeks of the season.
Will those 'almost' plays serve as motivation along with the loss?
"I've always been an underdog my whole life as you guys have may of heard my story," said Gilman. "I use it as motivation. That's me.
"I'm going to use it as a chip on my shoulder, which I always have. I'm going to continue to do that and do what I can to help this team."
The Hokies enter Saturday's game with a 5-2 record, but have struggled with inconsistent play.
Gilman knows the defense needs to set the tone as Virginia Tech has the ability to make big plays.
"They're a dynamic group and physical," Gilman stated. "We have to definitely stop the run. The quarterbacks are good. We have to prepare for everything."
As for the national narrative of the Irish failing to show up in another big game, Gilman isn't listening.
"We talk about the narrative, the only narrative I'm worried about is my team," said Gilman. "I honestly don't know what people are saying. I only care about my guys and how they're feeling or what I can do to be the best teammate and the best leader.
"As long as I'm doing that, things will be alright. That's who we really care about. Week-to-week, it's not about the outside noise. It's about our team and what happens inside this building."