“It’s going to be electric" - Miles Boykin

Not many complain about a night game at Notre Dame Stadium, but it also makes for a long day. 

Notre Dame holds a walk-through in the morning before giving the players a few hours to themselves before heading to campus. 

Senior receiver Miles Boykin utilizes his personal time to get some extra rest and to catch up on the games going on throughout the day.

“The worst part of night games is you’re sitting around all day,” said Boykin. “I take a nap before every game even if it’s just an hour or two. We have three or four hours to ourselves before a night game. 

“I normally watch some football and relax.” 

The 6-foot-4, 228-pounder will look to lead several young receivers in their first game, but effort isn’t something Boykin is worried about from this group.

“They’re excited,” laughed Boykin. “When you get out of camp, everyone’s legs are dead, and these guys are going like they didn’t even have camp. They are going around amped up. 

“It’ll be good for game time. The veterans will bring energy, but we have the calmness about us. The freshmen are ready to go all the time, so I think it’s a good balance.” 

Michigan’s defense has stolen every headline over the summer and for good reason as the Wolverines will enter the season with one of nation’s best defenses. 

Boykin knows he’ll be tested by Michigan’s cornerbacks, which is a challenge he’s looking forward to on Saturday night. 

“We’re certainly looking forward to it,” stated Boykin. “They have two great corners. It’s going to be a challenge going against them. That’s why you come to Notre Dame so you can play against players like that.” 

Michigan will play a lot of physical press, which is something Boykin has had to adjust to once he got to Notre Dame. 

“When you come out of high school, you’re not used to lifting or corners being that physical,” explained Boykin. “It’s something you have to learn over time. 

“I think I have it down, but I’m still working on my craft.” 

Boykin also has noticed some small changes in quarterback Brandon Wimbush leading up to the game. 

“He has a nice presence about him,” Boykin stated. “He’s calm. If he makes a mistake, he’s calm. Last year, you could see he got flustered when he made a mistake, and it got to his head. 

“He’s more experienced and knows what is coming his way. He’s very calm and has a lot of attention to detail.”

Saturday won’t be Boykin’s first time running out of the tunnel, but it doesn’t change the fact the adrenaline will be rushing from every player as they step on the field for the first time in 2018. 

“It’s crazy,” Boykin said. “Once you run out of the tunnel, it’s tunnel vision. I couldn’t tell you how many times you just kind of blackout during the game. Everything happens so quickly, and you react on instinct. 

“You hear that first roar from the crowd when you come out, and it’s like ‘Wow. This is special.’” 

As the game is two days away, Boykin is looking forward to finally playing the game after an entire offseason of build up.

“We’ve worked towards this since January,” said Boykin. “It’s going to be a great game. This game is great for the fans and us. You have two Top 15 teams going at each other in the first week. 

“It’s going to be electric.”