Everything Cal coach Justin Wilcox said about Notre Dame football

Cal coach Justin Wilcox doesn’t want anything to do with the idea Notre Dame is a “wounded animal.” The Irish were referred to by those exact words in an interview Wilcox was a part of this week on SiriusXM Radio.

He shut down the narrative right away.

“I wouldn’t say their record is indicative of the type of team they are by any means,” Wilcox said. “You look at the players playing on the field, very talented group. Coaches know what they’re doing. Yeah, I understand they lost their first two. But it’s Notre Dame, man. They have really good players. It’ll be a real challenge for us.”

Here’s everything else Wilcox said about Notre Dame in his Tuesday press conference.

On playing at Notre Dame Stadium

“I honestly feel fortunate to have the job I have, so I don’t take any of these things for granted. Getting the chance to play at Notre Dame is special. I’m a college football fan as well, so I grew up watching college football and watched games at Notre Dame on television. But at the end of the day, it’s our team and the guys on the field. We need to practice really well and play our best football. That’s what’s most important. Maybe one day go back and be a bit more nostalgic about it. But right now, it’s all football.”

On the state of the Notre Dame football program

“It’s very easy to turn on the tape and have a great deal of respect for not only the players but the schemes. I’m sure those games didn’t turn out like they had planned, but it’s going to take our best football. We have a lot of respect for them, and they obviously have a lot of talent. We know they’re going to play hard, and we need to have a great week of practice and get as prepared as we possibly can be.”

More Fighting Irish football

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Here’s what Cal defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon said about the Irish.

On Notre Dame starting Drew Pyne at QB

“We do have some tape, and we’ve been watching it obviously. You’re always trying to identify the way any offensive staff uses its skill players. It’s really no different watching coordinators feature wide receivers, potential running backs. You have some red zone themes. Every player you put on the field has strengths and weaknesses. The quarterback is no different.

“Overall, have an ideology of what they want to be. How you recruit the offensive line, how you recruit the tight ends, those things tend to lead to play structure and play selection.”

On the Irish offense as a whole

“The team they put out there is very talented. There are a number of reasons offensively and defensively that sometimes things just don’t click the way they’re capable of. I know from being in football a long time they’ll continue to take the necessary steps. I imagine they’ll focus on the things that are foundational for them and reestablish their focus.”

Here’s what Cal offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said about the Irish.

On playing in such a high profile environment

“It’s especially exciting for young people who watched a lot of games on TV growing up and then aspired to be in those big stadiums and on that center stage. It’s a terrific opportunity.”

On the mindset of playing a team like Notre Dame

“It’s one of 12 regular season games, and it counts exactly that — one out of 12. We’re very business-like and we’re going to get in our battle rhythm this week. It’ll be a little bit different because we will get on the plane a day early than we would for a Pac-12 game. But we’re going to get in our battle rhythm and be ready to put our best foot forward on game day.”

On the Notre Dame defense

“They’re a tremendously experienced group. There are seniors across the board in the front and also in the secondary. These guys have played a lot of football and seen a lot of offensive football. Nothing surprises them out there. You can tell they know how to adjust to formations. They roll with the punches when people try to speed it up and go no huddle. It’s a very experienced, senior-laden group. They’re multiple, extremely well coached. They look like they know what they’re doing out there.”