Q/A | Tennessee State Head Coach Eddie George on Notre Dame Matchup
Tennessee State head coach Eddie George was in South Bend on Wednesday to discuss the matchup with Notre Dame in 2023.
On Ohio State connection playing a factor in setting up the game:
"It had nothing to do with it at all. I don't think me and Marcus ever really talked about playing each other based off Ohio State. It's a coincidence.
"When I learned I was going to play Notre Dame, I was like, 'Oh my gosh.'
"When I really looked at the opportunity for our kids to come to this university and have an opportunity to play on a national stage to show the nation what Tennessee State is all about holistically, the colleges, pageantry, tradition and our rich history, not just in football but as a university was a wonderful opportunity.
"It's bigger than that. It's not often you have a chance - it's the first time it's been done - to have a chance to compete against the best. We preach we want to play the best any time and anywhere. It's a wonderful opportunity that presented itself and I'm glad we made it happen."
On what it means to be part of this game with Notre Dame for Tennessee State and HBCUs:
"It's a calling for one. It's a great opportunity and a huge responsibility to be in this position.
"It's funny as I was walking on the field, I went to midfield and I laughed, 'My gosh, I'm actually going to be coaching on the sidelines in the stadium Knute Rockne built and some of the great players that have played here and some of the great coaches like Lou Holtz - and of course my good friend Jerome Bettis.
"It's just overwhelming to think I can help bring light to all the great things that we're trying to do at Tennessee State University and that we're going to do and expose our kids to this.
"Playing in this building and venue - this is the cathedral of sports venues, relatively speaking. To expose them to this is going to be a wonderful environment.
"I had the opportunity to come here as a fan as my son played at Vanderbilt. Four or five years ago, they played at Notre Dame and it was an awesome experience as a fan and father. As a head coach, bringing my kids up here in September of 2023 is going to be great.
"I feel honored and I feel blessed to have this opportunity to play a storied program like Notre Dame. For them to make this happen - never played an HBCU or an FCS team in the school's history. It's just remarkable that they would choose us to try to make this happen. It's history."
On relationship with Marcus Freeman:
"For me from the coaching perspective, I'm like hey, I gotta figure out how to beat Deion. I'm not trying to think about Notre Dame, who has played in the playoff and a ton of great athletes. They've been on a historic run.
"When it became real, I began to think about the benefits of how it could help our program, a great storyline of two storied programs and iconic brands in college football. It became more appealing and digestible at that point in time.
"It's almost a year away, so hopefully, we'll look a lot different as a team and be in a different place a year from now and come in with a great deal of confidence.
"And just enjoy the moment. This is a historic event and to be part of it is awesome."
On if he thinks he can beat Notre Dame (question from Jerome Bettis):
"Without a doubt. Without a shadow of doubt."
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