Notre Dame Defense Playing With a ‘Mean Streak’

With several returning starters, Notre Dame felt confident they could field a solid defense.

Said safety A.J. Flemister,"We came in with a mean streak. We wanted to be that team everybody hated on the defensive side of the ball."

Added linebacker Tyler Enos,"We’re a fast, physical defense. I feel like we’re always flying around the ball. There’s always five or six of us making the tackles."

   The Irish defense proved they were fast and physical last week, beating a bruising Signal Mountain team 35-3.

Said defensive coordinator Bo Campbell,"Of course it was a huge achievement. I think they were averaging 42-points a game."

Said Enos,"I remember the first drive. It was third and two. Big Joe (Dossett) went straight through and made the tackle for the loss. That got me really pumped. I knew it was going to be a good night from there on."

   Kind of amazing to watch the Irish hold their own in the trenches because they’re not that imposing.

Said Campbell,"Our d-line. They’re not the biggest guys in the world, but they control the line of scrimmage."

Said Flemister,"I see our defensive line. We joke with them at practice and stuff at just how undersized they are. Ya’ll are going to have a tough time this week. I feel that just fuels the fire."

   Campbell says the defensive unit has a lot of pride.

"They don’t like to get scored on. They don’t like it. It’s kind of an attitude with them."

   No wonder the Irish don’t want to give up a point.

Campbell promises doughnuts for a shut-out.

Said Enos,"We get Krispy Kreme doughnuts if we get a shut-out on Sunday at film. That always make film a little more enjoyable."