Doeren: "It's Going To Be A Great Game"

NC State head coach Dave Doeren met with the media to discuss the upcoming game against Notre Dame.

Opening Statement...
I thought it was great to get back to fundamentals. We really focused hard on our individual improvement in the last few days... trying to improve what they are putting on tape and show the things they do well and remove what they don't want to put on tape. 

There was a huge focus on our fundamentals. We stripped down our systems and looked at them bit-by-bit and talked to our players one-on-one.

I do feel like we got healthier, and we've got some good time in the weight room with Thunder and his crew... we  lost a little time during that short week against Louisville. We also felt like we're in a really good spot right now from a health standpoint and our body weights, rest, and recovery... and all those things that matter, especially at this time of the year when the bugs on campus seem to be going around.

As far as the game this week, we're playing an excellent football team.  They played great Saturday night against their rival, USC. They are a physical football team.

It's going to be a great game to watch... you get to watch the sixth-ranked rushing offense at Notre Dame against the sixth-ranked rushing defense at NC State. Great head-to-head battle right there. Four senior offensive linemen, and we have four senior defensive linemen... they have two big tight ends and a very good tailback who is leading the nation in rushing yards per carry, Adams. 

The quarterback, Wimbush, is the second-leading rusher and he's playing very confident.  They have a 6-5 receiver, Brown, who makes a lot of plays down the field.  He has a lot of confidence.

I'm excited to watch the line of scrimmage in this game.  As a football coach, it's no secret that I love that part of the game. It's going to be a great battle within the game.

Their defense is well-coached. I have a lot of respect of Mike Elko. 

They are plus-10 in turnover margin and we're plus-8... two of the best redzone defenses in touchdowns allowed. 

I really look forward to playing in this game... to be able to play them in their place is special for me.
Both of us went through tough seasons a year ago at certain times and have rebounded well as a staff and a team.

Have you seen a team change from a philosophy standpoint so quickly like Notre Dame has?  They are running the ball as well as Georgia Tech right now...
Coach Kelly deserves a lot of credit, he really does.

He made some tough decisions and staff changes he's done a great job. When we played them last year they couldn't run the football... they tried to throw it in the rain and all that stuff.

He's done a great job. 

Thoughts on NC State's offensive line...
They are keeping Ryan upright... how much it means to them to play well for the guy next to them. I think it's personal for that group and that's a credit to Dwayne.

There is definitely a demeanor about our offensive line that I love to see... they play hard and they play for each other.

This game has no bearing on the Atlantic division race. Does that change the way you prepare your or the mindset in any way coming in?
No, not at all.  

It's the most important game of the season because it's the next one... for what it means for postseason play, beating Notre Dame at Notre Dame when they are in the Top 10. That matters.

Can you take anything away from last year's game?
No, none. It's like it didn't happen.

More on keeping team focused on the game...
We don't talk about it. All we talk about is us, our enemy, and how we can beat them.
Not to say you guys don't matter, but you really don't when it comes to us playing well.

Leaning on his experience at Northern Illinois..
I think it does. You get a feel for the guys and really focus on what has brought them the success they have. People are chasing you instead of you chasing them. What you have to focus on is not letting them do that by improving week. 

We don't need to be perfect. We just need to be better. That's all we have to do, get better each week, and look at what we have to do better as a staff and a player and own it.  

What do you see from Thunder Burnette?
There's a lot of things.  I think it starts with his leadership and his loyalty to the program.  It matters, it's personal, and his standards are his standards.  He's the same guy everyday.

On top of that, he's incredible, and his staff is, at what they do. They are smart, they understand the body well... they match guys up and make them compete.  He communicates well with our staff, our training staff, and our players...  he has guys in there with him and they are all exceptional.

More on Notre Dame's offensive line...
I think they are really good across the board. Their five starting linemen are exceptional. They play hard, they are big, and they use good schemes.  

They've got a very good front, and both of their tight ends are big guys too. It's going to be a battle up there. I know our d-linemen are excited about it.

The best thing we had going here the entire spring and fall camp is we went head-to-head with players on both sides of the ball.  Our o-line is who they are because they have to battle our d-line. Our d-line is better because of it.  It used to be one-sided, but now it goes back and forth, and that's what you want.