Tony Elliott visited with the media earlier. We're going to have some in-depth nuggets later on, but a few quick notables:
-- Said a big task for the coaches is getting the players to block out all the noise this week and focus on what matters. Said it's even a challenge for the coaches because they're getting hit with calls and texts from family and friends asking for tickets and such. "The coaches' job is to make sure we're not pressing. It's tough, but I don't think it's impossible."
-- Said Notre Dame's defense is "relentless." Said they play through the whistle, and the big challenge for the offense is to match their intensity. Said LB Jaylon Smith is a "freak athlete." Said tackle Sheldon Day reminds him of Grady Jarrett.
-- This will be an opportunity for the receivers to make plays against man coverage. Said Notre Dame DC Brian VanGorder trusts his safeties to make plays on the back end.
-- The extra time off allowed the offensive coaches time to take a deeper look at VanGorder, going back to last year and even to the 2012 game when Clemson played Auburn. Said VanGorder is being more aggressive now.
-- Doesn't want to put too much on Deon Cain's plate this early, but said there have been conversations about using him more at Charone Peake's 9-man position.
-- Said a big task for the coaches is getting the players to block out all the noise this week and focus on what matters. Said it's even a challenge for the coaches because they're getting hit with calls and texts from family and friends asking for tickets and such. "The coaches' job is to make sure we're not pressing. It's tough, but I don't think it's impossible."
-- Said Notre Dame's defense is "relentless." Said they play through the whistle, and the big challenge for the offense is to match their intensity. Said LB Jaylon Smith is a "freak athlete." Said tackle Sheldon Day reminds him of Grady Jarrett.
-- This will be an opportunity for the receivers to make plays against man coverage. Said Notre Dame DC Brian VanGorder trusts his safeties to make plays on the back end.
-- The extra time off allowed the offensive coaches time to take a deeper look at VanGorder, going back to last year and even to the 2012 game when Clemson played Auburn. Said VanGorder is being more aggressive now.
-- Doesn't want to put too much on Deon Cain's plate this early, but said there have been conversations about using him more at Charone Peake's 9-man position.
