Martini Not Looking Ahead
Written by Alec Swain
After an impressive road win against Michigan State, Notre Dame will look to continue to build momentum. A common challenge the week after a big-time win against a rival is preparing and competing the next week in a similar fashion. Captain, Greer Martini, is very aware of this concern.
“We want to continue to treat each Saturday like we approached the Michigan State game,” explained Martini. “We were ready for that game, and I think going forward we’re going to prepare like that for each and every week.”
This week Notre Dame better maintain focus as they square off against former Notre Dame assistant coach, Chuck Martin. Even though Miami is a participant of the Mid American Conference, they will be looking to come into Notre Dame Stadium and prove they can compete.
One individual Notre Dame will have to monitor going into this Saturday is Miami’s quarterback, Gus Ragland.
“I think he is a smart kid, can run the ball, is athletic and I think he makes a lot of really good decisions,” stated Martini.
It appears the Notre Dame defense will have yet another challenge on their hands this weekend. However, so far this season the Notre Dame defense has been up for the challenge. If the Irish can continue to improve, they should walk away on Saturday with their fourth victory of the season.
“I just think from the level of confidence, I think the defense itself just is playing a lot faster and trusting each other, playing one as 11, and just doing your job because the guy beside you is doing his job,”
If the defense can continue to create turnovers, it should be an exciting matchup on Saturday. There has been an emphasis on takeaways going into this season, and so far the defense has produced.
“Every practice we have a period that’s dedicated to turnovers called the turnover circuit, so every single day we’re practicing, so it’s become kind of engrained in what we do, and I think that’s helped a lot,” explained Martini.
With the increased production on the defensive side of the ball, the Irish should give Chuck Martin and Gus Ragland all they can handle on Saturday. The Redhawks will definitely be looking to steal one in South Bend, but it should be noted the mental toughness and culture of this Irish team has a much different feel to it as we get deeper into the regular season. It will be interesting to see if Notre Dame can keep the momentum alive and win in decisive fashion.