Eichenberg Confident in Notre Dame Offense

Liam Eichenberg has been there and done that. Saturday's Camping World Bowl will be his third bowl game and the waiting game is something he's been through.

Now, that's not to say exam week didn't take a toll on the Irish, but the experience of going through it has prepared Notre Dame. 

"It's a mindset," stated Eichenberg. "Coach (Brian) Kelly talks about the traits and the mindset we've had since I've got here. I think Coach Kelly has done a good job changing up the workload based on the days and the amount of guys who have exams. We're getting after it and we're not taking this team lightly."

The senior offensive lineman and his teammates are also aware Iowa State presents a number of challenges. 

For the offense, the Cyclones will test the Irish presnap with a variety of looks and it's something other teams have struggled with at times. 

"A lot of people and look at their record," said Eichenberg. "They're 7-5, but if you watch the games, they lost by one point to Baylor and Oklahoma. Oklahoma is in the playoffs. Baylor is a great team. 

"A lot of offensive lines have struggled blocking this defense. There is so much movement. They're a very good team. The defensive coordinator does a good job and they have great players. That program is really turning around." 

Notre Dame is also moving forward from the Chip Long era. 

Kelly fired Long during December, but the Ohio native is positive about the direction of the offense. 

"Coach Long left and I thought he was a great coach," explained Eichenberg. "I guess somethings don't work out. It's not my decision. 

"Coach (Tommy) Rees, Coach (Jeff) Quinn and Coach (Lance) Taylor have done a great job. Coach Kelly has done a great job stepping in and everything goes as normal. They've done a good job getting us going. When somebody leaves, someone has to step in. All those coaches have each put in enough to get us to where we need to be. 

"I believe in all these coaches. Whatever they want me to do, I'll do. I think our offense is doing very well. It's just another week. Coaches come and go, sadly, but we have to keep going." 

Notre Dame fans have questioned the motivation of the team this year at every corner and that hasn't changed leading into Saturday's bowl. 

Eichenberg has no doubt the Irish will be ready to go from the start. 

"For my class, specifically, we came in and were 4-8," Eichenberg stated. "We didn't make a bowl game. The biggest thing for us is going out on top and finishing the season off right. 

"We didn't make a New Year's Six bowl, but we still went 10-2. That's pretty good. Obviously, not where we want to be, but there is one more game for us to win. We didn't train all this time to go into a bowl game and lose. It doesn't matter what the bowl game it is. We're going to work hard and hopefully pull out a victory." 

The Irish offense seemed to turn a corner in November and Eichenberg gives credit to the quarterback.  

"It's just confidence," said Eichenberg. "Ian Book is doing a great job leading us. We just need to keep going and support him.

"He's a great leader and he'll lead us in the right direction."