Leadership Will Define Key Week for Notre Dame
Notre Dame (1-1) had College Football Playoff aspirations heading into Saturday’s clash with Northern Illinois (2-0), and four hours later, the focus has quickly turned following an inexcusable 16-14 loss to the Huskies.
The loss was bad, but even more significant, the program has been here before as Notre Dame has suffered losses to Marshall and Stanford in recent years.
Head coach Marcus Freeman was pleased with his team’s preparation during the week as the program had two physical practices on Tuesday and Wednesday before having two quality practices to end the week.
Yet, focus seems to be an issue for the Irish, which most expected a slow start given the big win over Texas A&M a week ago.
“We need to really lock in on what we need to focus on,” stated defensive lineman Howard Cross III. “From the top down, we all need to really know what we want and I think we do. I’m going to say the same thing I say every time. We know we’re a good team and we can be a good team. I have full confidence in that.”
Cross, who is normally reserved, was quite animated in getting his point across that Saturday was not the end of the season for the Irish. In fact, Cross had already made sure to communicate his point to multiple people within the program before heading to postgame interviews.
“This isn’t the end of our season,” Cross said. “This sucks. We know that. Everyone knows it. All our fans know it. I’m going to tell you what I told everyone. Use it. Use what everyone is telling you, you’re going to hear it all week. ‘We suck.’
“Use it. With all due respect, in seven days, we’re on the field again. Are we going to say it’s over game two, or are we going to keep rolling? I think that’s what we’re going to do. Keep moving.”
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard has experienced the highs and lows of being QB1 for the Irish in the last seven days.
The Alabama native went 20-of-32 for 163 yards and two interceptions on Saturday.
“You guys can probably imagine,” Leonard said when asked how he was feeling. “It’s a motivation. You can mop around for a while, but tomorrow you have to wake up and go on to the next day. That’s what we’re going to do.”
Leonard also understands he’s the face of the program and all eyes will be on him over the next week.
“I think everyone will be looking at me,” explained Leonard. “How I approach today, tomorrow, this afternoon is going to be indictive and hopefully people will follow I approach things. I would say all eyes are on me, so I have to lead by example right now.”
As for Cross, the New Jersey native is already ready to go work as Notre Dame travels to Purdue next Saturday.
“I lean on the leaders,” said Cross. “I told Riley and I told the other guys and I talked to Freeman outside. This is awful, but game two. We have 10 games left, at least. We gotta move. We literally just started the season. We’re going to come out strong this week and I’m honestly excited. I really am excited for next week.”
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