Wimbush Looking Forward To Challenge Against NC State
Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush will likely set a school record on Saturday afternoon against North Carolina State. The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder tied DeShone Kizer’s school record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season last weekend with 10.
“Who has the most passing,” Wimbush asked when asked what he thought of tying Kizer’s record. “I want to go for that one. I have two years after this year.
“DeShone being a good friend of mine, it obviously means a lot to me to have my name in the record books at this school. Being a quarterback, you kind of want a throwing record, but to have my name in the record book would be awesome.”
Wimbush has taken steps forward in the passing game as he threw two touchdowns on his first two completions on Saturday night. The junior quarterback felt having a little extra prep time allowed him to gain confidence in the mental aspect of the game heading into USC.
“The two weeks were huge,” Wimbush said of the extra preparation. “You go into a game feeling so much more confident and comfortable with the game plan and what the opposing defense might do in certain situations. As a quarterback, your preparation leads to your performance on Saturday.
“I think my study habits have been good and continue to increase. I have learned different ways to look at things throughout the week. Getting over here a little earlier with my new class schedule has helped out.”
The New Jersey native has never lacked confidence, and it’s not a surprise the team has taken on Wimbush’s quiet confidence, even after a loss to Georgia in week two.
“We were confident coming into the season based off our offseason,” explained Wimbush. “I don’t think it has altered in any way going from unranked to Top 10. Our mindset and mentality has been consistent and stayed the same. That’s a huge asset this team has because we never let the highs get too high or the lows too low.”
Josh Adams has alleviated some of the pressure off Wimbush this season. The junior running back is running his way into the Heisman race with 967 rushing yards and eight scores.
“Josh is starting to get the recognition he deserves,” stated Wimbush. “As a quarterback, you love to have someone who can take some weight off your shoulders. He does the little things you might not see as a fan. Blocking and pass protection has been huge. If I miss something, he might help me and check something.
“The little things that no one sees are the biggest things Josh brings to this team.”
NC State defense will present a tough challenge for the Irish offense, and it’s led by Bradley Chubb. The senior defensive end has recorded 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in seven games. Chubb has the potential to make life very difficult on Wimbush, and the Notre Dame quarterback knows it.
“A bunch of seniors and they fly to the ball,” Wimbush said of the Wolfpack defense. “They are big and strong up front. The linebackers are good, and they fly to the ball. Being 6-1 and this far into the season, they are well groomed right now. They are playing some of their best ball right now.
“I think that resonates well with me in terms of their personnel and type of players they have on their defense. Up front, Georgia’s front four is next to these guys front four and their front seven really. I’m looking forward to the challenge, and the guys up front are as well. They are going to do what they’ve been doing the last seven weeks.”
Notre Dame has won games by running the ball, but Wimbush knows at some point his arm will be counted on to win a game. It could very well be this week, and Wimbush is more than ready for the challenge.
“We are going to do what we do best,” stated Wimbush. “Right now that’s running the ball. I have a great opportunity to exploit their secondary as I do every week, but we can throw for some big yards this week. I just have to give the receivers a chance to make a play, and I know they will.”
One player that can help Wimbush out is sophomore receiver, Kevin Stepherson. The 6-foot, 185-pounder caught three passes for 58 yards and a score last weekend, and if he can get to last year’s form, it could be just what the Irish need during the final push of the season.
“He’s kind of like a Will Fuller type of receiver,” said Wimbush. “You can put him out in space, and it’s tough to cover him. He’s a deep threat for me. As a defense, you can’t really put your best corner on Equanimeous. Kevin definitely brings an explosive asset to the team.
“He’s definitely worked his butt off from the offseason, and we see steady improvement. We’re trying to get him back into the offense, and I have to be a part of helping him. He’s done the necessary things to make that leap and has confidence going into a game.”