"It's going to be a hell of a night" - Dexter Williams

Notre Dame officially moved on from the 2016 season with a 49-16 win over Temple last weekend. Junior running back Dexter Williams played a large part in the victory as he gave the Irish a spark right when they needed it. 

“It was definitely fun going against Temple,” Williams stated. “They had some great guys on that side of the ball. We finally got a chance to showcase our talent and hard work we have been putting in. 

“It was a good time seeing us excel on the field.”

Williams ripped off a 68-yard run in the fourth quarter, but the 5-foot-11, 215-pounder was caught at the three yards short of the end zone. Despite the play being successful, Williams learned a valuable lesson.

“I wish I never let him catch me,” laughed Williams. “I was too busy worrying about him instead of finishing the run. I know I have to worry about myself and finish those runs.” 

The Florida native finished the Temple game with six carries for 124 yards and a touchdown. Williams was quick to give his offensive line props for opening massive holes for the Irish backs. 

“If you give me that size of a hole, it really opens everything up for me,” said Williams. “Seeing those holes being made, I could see the progress of the offensive line. Coach (Harry) Hiestand has worked with them day in and out. I could see how they are getting better and the chemistry is getting stronger. They are giving their all and working hard.”

Saturday night brings SEC powerhouse Georgia to South Bend, and the Bulldogs will bring a tougher defense. 

“We have to continue to work every day at practice,” explained Williams. “We have to get in the film room and do a lot of studying. They have a great defensive line and a great defense. We have to establish the run from the start.

“Georgia has a nice defense. My focus isn’t really on Georgia, but on what we have to do and establish on Saturday night. We have to be the better team.”

Williams is always juiced up for games, but he knows night games inside Notre Dame Stadium are special. 

“I really can’t explain what type of feeling it will be, but I know it’s going to be a hell of a night,” stated Williams.

Williams could also have another reason to have a little extra juice on Saturday as his mother plans to be at the game. Cheryl Williams, who has a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disorder named myasthenia gravis, will hopefully be in South Bend to see her son play, but Hurricane Irma is making that tough.

“We talk and I check on her day in and out,” Williams said. “We are still waiting to see if the storm is going to hit our area. They are saying it’s supposed to hit Orlando. She will hopefully be here at the game, but if the hurricane hits, she won’t be able to fly. 

“I’m hoping she can get out as fast as possible so she can be here for me.” 

If his mother is is able to make it, it would mean the world to Williams.

“She’s doing better,” said Williams. “She’s actually getting stronger and doing a lot of stuff on her own.

“If she’s here, I definitely have to put on a show. I know if she’s here, it just gives me another feeling knowing my mom is here watching me play and do what I love. It’s a feeling a rarely get, so if she’s here, I have to be on my A game.”