Drew White Notebook | Post-Virginia Tech
Notre Dame linebacker Drew White spoke following the win over Virginia Tech.
On defensive plan:
"I thought we prepared really well. I think we had a good idea of what kind of game plan they were coming in with. At some point, guys are going to make plays and their offensive players made some plays. I thought Burmeister was great the way he was able to use his feet.
"I thought the defense played really well. The best part about it was the offense and defense balancing off each other. It really tells the story of what kind of guys we have."
On QB Jack Coan:
"I would say Jack is a stone-cold killer. He's got that look in his eyes. A lot of confidence. It says a lot when he goes in at the end of the game. He has that look to him. Some guys just don't have it and he's got the ability to be clutch and lead game-winning drives. Super proud of him."
On if the game felt like a roller coaster:
"It was definitely a roller coaster. Not as much as fans and the media might think because you're so laser-focused on locked in on the game plan and what they're going to do.
A lot of times, I'm not focusing on what the offense is doing, but it was hard to look away at the end when they were driving down. It was awesome."
On facing QB Tyler Buchner in practice:
"He's really good with his legs. I think he's deceptively fast and he's able to make plays with his feet.
"I remember in practice going against him, I was trying to hunt him down on the perimeter and he threw a stiff arm at me in practice. He's wearing a red jersey, so I took it not too great. I've seen it work on the field, so I know it was useful."
On having Kurt Hinish back:
"Amazing. Kurt is one of my best friends on the team. We've roomed together for like three or four years. Just to know he's in front of me taking on double teams and he ain't moving. We're able to see him make TFls and be a disruption in the run game.
"It feels better when one of your best friends is lining up right in front of you. All of our defensive tackles and nose guards are capable, but having a veteran guy in there, a captain on our team, to have that look in his eye and communicate with the rest of the defensive line is great to see."
On the physicality of the game:
"I want to think we play with an edge every game. They were doing a lot of 12 personnel, so the odds are it's going to be more physical than a team spreading us out.
"We have a mindset to come in and be physical every game."
On winning the way Notre Dame has won this year:
"We have a lot of things to work on, but you can't sell yourself short for what you can accomplish. It's a W on the schedule and that's a lot better than an L. It's easier to take lessons from coming in being positive and bringing that extra juice. We have to keep improving during the season."