Irish Locked In For Camping World Bowl

Notre Dame captain Chris Finke wanted to see how the Irish practiced on Christmas to know if things were trending the right way after a sluggish first practice in Orlando. 

Captain Alohi Gilman felt Notre Dame did respond to the challenge on Wednesday and came out with a purpose. 

"It went well," Gilman stated. "I think we were able to get back into the swing of things. It was back to the rhythm of play speed and being physical. I thought it was a good practice for both sides of the ball." 

Tight end Cole Kmet echoed Gilman's comments as he also believed the Irish had a good day.

"The first practice it was a little sluggish," Kmet said. "That second practice, we came out and ready to go. We had good energy. I thought it was a good day of practice." 

For the Irish offense, the preparation has been a little different as offensive coordinator Chip Long is gone. 

However, Kmet feels the offensive structure has remained the same. 

"It's a little different because you're missing the main guy," explained Kmet. "For what we're doing, it's the same stuff we've been doing all year. It's very similar to what we've been doing. 

"It has a familiar feel to it." 

Gilman returned to Notre Dame for his senior season in hopes of another College Football Playoff run. 

That didn't happen, but he has no worries about the Irish being dialed in on Saturday. 

"For us, just being in the present and enjoying the time with each other, but like we've done all year, we have to focus on the task at hand," Gilman said. 

"Every time we go to practice and meeting, we're trying to be locked in. Once that stuff is finished, we can focus on relaxing and hanging out with the guys. That's just the way for us to be balanced and we're still keeping the same process we've had the whole year." 

Iowa State's high-powered offense with test the Irish defense on Saturday, but Gilman is confident Notre Dame's preparation will allow them to execute at a high level. 

"Every opponent we play, we respect, especially Iowa State," said Gilman. "We know they're a good team. We don't take any team lightly. Watching film or preparing for a team, we understand how hard it is to prepare for any Division I team. We have to keep that perspective. 

"We always talk about having a faceless opponent. Iowa State is a great team. We have to come out with good energy and execute well."