Notre Dame RB Chris Tyree Staying Patient

Notre Dame running back Chris Tyree showed his big play ability as a true freshman in 2020 and on Saturday, the speedster got loose again. 

Freshman quarterback Tyler Buchner hit Tyree on a wheel route for a 55-yard touchdown to put the Irish ahead 24-16 early in the fourth quarter. 

And Tyree knew the play was going to hit before it started. 

"It was actually an option play," stated Tyree. "As soon as I came in motion, I knew we had the right look. We executed pretty well and Tyler gave me a good ball." 

It was a play that was new to Notre Dame fans, but the play had been repped all week in practice. 

"It was in for the game plan, so we knew it was coming and we practiced it a few times," said Tyree. "It really wasn't anything new for us. It was just routine." 

The Virginia native also felt Buchner brought a spark to the offense with his legs on Saturday. 

"He's someone you have to account for," stated Tyree. "It brings more eyes to him from the defense. Being able to open up the defense for us gives us more running lanes." 

Jack Coan also impressed Tyree and his teammates as the whole team saw him get his finger popped back into place and throw the game-winning touchdown seconds later.

"It was kind of crazy," laughed Tyree. "He came to the sideline running and pointing at his fingers. I think that shows his grit, intensity and his mentality. Being able to show that grit is really important for our offense. It was a great performance from him." 

As for his own game, Tyree is remaining patient. Through two games, the 5-foot-9, 190-pounder has rushed for just 43 yards and a score, but he's added 14 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown. 

"I think I'm very comfortable with my game so far," explained Tyree. "My focus has been on taking one play at a time and adding all the plays together to make a whole game. Staying focused and staying consistent is my focus right now.

"Right now, I think we need to stay patient and stay consistent on our reads. We know the big plays will come, so we're not really worried about it." 

Tyree is also pleased with the 2-0 start, but he also knows the Irish offense has to play more consistently moving forward.

"It's a good start to the season," Tyree stated. "We're 2-0. We know we have a lot of things to work on and grow off of and that's the good part about it. We know we have to build on what we have right now. We know we have more games to play." 

Tyree also believes the fight the Irish showed on Saturday is something they can build on. 

"We were down and I think we showed a lot of fight throughout the game," said Tyree. "That's one thing we can take away from this. We gotta get back to the drawing board and correct our mistakes and move on to the next week."