Boykin Ready To Do Whatever It Takes To Win
Notre Dame is just days away from reporting to the Cotton Bowl for its final preparations for the College Football Playoff.
The hype is starting to creep into each fanbase, but Notre Dame senior receiver Miles Boykin is keeping things simple heading into game week.
“We’re going to do anything it takes to win,” stated Boykin.
It’s been a busy two weeks for the Irish as they finished exams and started game planning for Clemson.
“It’s more of fine-tuning everything,” explained Boykin. “Last week, we were working more on skill development and getting back into the swing of things after having a week off. Now, we’ve just been fine-tuning our game plan and getting back in sync with the quarterback.”
Part of Notre Dame’s preparations has been on the quick passing game. Clemson boasts arguably the nation’s top defensive line and the ball will be coming out of quarterback Ian Book’s hand quicker than usual on December 29th.
“We understand with their pass rush, Ian will have to get the ball out quickly,” stated Boykin. “When the ball comes out quick, it can be anywhere.He doesn’t have time to be perfect, but he has been all season. We have to be perfect on the outside. We have to go up and make plays for him to take care of business.”
When it comes to excitement for the game, the 6-foot-4, 228-pounder is known for his quiet nature, so it’s not a surprise Boykin isn’t worried about getting too excited for the game.
“Personally, I honestly try to not think about it until the game is here,” Boykin said. “I’ve always been taught the game is won before the game is actually played. If I focus on my preparation, it’ll all come to me.
“I’m an extremely patient person and I don’t get over anxious about too many things.”
One reason Notre Dame is 12-0 is the emergence of junior receiver Chase Claypool. Over the last five games, Claypool recorded 25 receptions for 370 yards, which has taken some pressure off Boykin and Chris Finke.
“It’s his focus,” Boykin said of Claypool. “When Chase comes with focus, he’s a tough guy to stop. He’s every bit of 6-foot-5 and 230. You’ve seen how physical he is on special teams. When his focus is there, no one in the country can stop him.
“It elevates us. It’s tough to cover teams with two receivers, let alone three and a great tight end.”
Speaking of elevating, the move from Brandon Wimbush to Book elevated the Irish offense, but the maturity of the team also made it a seamless transition.
“One of the reasons why we handled it so well is because we kept emotion out of it,” said Boykin. “We understand we’re playing a game and our goal is to win a National Championship. We’re going to do whatever it takes.
“As a receiver, our approach didn’t change. We ran routes the same way and we worked the same way. It didn’t matter who was throwing us the ball.”