Game Thread | Syracuse at No. 2 Notre Dame

Syracuse (1-9, 1-8) at No. 2 Notre Dame (9-0, 8-0)

Notre Dame Stadium | 2:30 p.m. ET | NBC

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Get up, Get out

If Saturday is a challenge for Notre Dame, then they need to take a hard look in the mirror before the ACC Championship Game. Now, Syracuse did compete with Clemson longer than most expected, but this is a chance for the Irish to finish off an impressive regular season while also continuing a focus on the future. 

There should be motivation from the staff to get up and then get starters out so they don’t get hurt or an unlucky targeting call in the second half while also getting its youth on the field. As we’ve seen, life changes quickly in 2020 and getting some much-needed reps for the backups could be beneficial. 

As for Notre Dame’s players, it’s a chance to move the home winning streak to 24 games and send the seniors out on a high note, which also includes getting seniors who don’t play a chance to get on the field. 

If Notre Dame is focused, Saturday isn’t close and Ian Book walks out of Notre Dame Stadium for the final time as the all-time winningest quarterback in school history. 

Five Players To Watch

Notre Dame G Dillan Gibbons
With Zeke Correll's status uncertain, we should see Gibbons play a lot. He stepped in against Florida State and did a good job in the running game.

Syracuse WR Taj Harris
The WR1 for Syracuse is their best weapon. He'll get a high volume of targets and if the Irish shut him down, it's going to be tough for the Orange to find the end zone.

Notre Dame LB Marist Liufau
He had a breakout game last week against North Carolina. Now we get to see if that continues and someone can finally get a firm grasp on the starting Buck job. If he continues to be a playmaker, that's a great sign for the defense before their expected rematch with Clemson.

Syracuse LB Mikel Jones
A rising star on a young defense, Jones has four interceptions on the season. He leads a group of players at linebacker and safety that causes a good amount of havoc.

Notre Dame DT Kurt Hinish
This could be Hinish's final game in Notre Dame Stadium and there is no doubt he will leave it all out on the field. He should make a big impact against a below-average Syracuse O-line.

Quotes of the Week

Notre Dame RB Kyren Williams:
“It's crazy. You come to Notre Dame and you don't think you're going to play in any conference games. Now, we're in the ACC Championship for the first time in Notre Dame history and the first time ever in my career. 

"This is a goal as a team we've been preaching on since we joined the ACC. We were going to come in here and compete for an ACC Championship. 

"We still have Syracuse, but we see that goal in the future and we can't forget that we still have to work to get to that goal. We haven't accomplished anything yet."

Notre Dame LB Marist Liufau:
"One thing I think about myself, especially coming from Hawaii, I feel we have that chip on our shoulder as Hawaii players. We pride ourselves in being physical, flying around the field, hitting people and having fun while playing. I feel that can be evident at times." 

Notre Dame DE Ade Ogundeji:
"Definitely my first year it was a struggle, but we've just continually gotten better as a team. And myself, I've continued to get better. I think that's what it comes down to in life, just growth throughout the whole time.”

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly: 
"The announcement as to being part of the championship game doesn't really change how we prepare for our performance on Saturday. It's still important for our football team because there's so many things going on, right? 

"No. 1 the chance to win all of your games at home for a third consecutive season. To send our seniors out on a winning note has always been important here at Notre Dame, regardless of the season. 

"Solidifying your resume going into the College Football Playoffs. A lot of things to play for, but it's never really been about that for us. It's much more about this consistency of performance and how you prepare for it. That really didn't change much for us.”

For Your Nerves