Everything Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain said about Notre Dame football

Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain said last week was good for the Chippewas because it taught them how to win. The Chips beat New Hampshire, 45-42. It’s going to be very difficult to replicate such success against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend on Saturday.

“What really hits you is here you’re breaking down New Hampshire the week before, and as a guy who’s spent a lot of years in I-AA football, and then all of a sudden you’re watching Notre Dame in their stadium, one of the great stadiums throughout the country, unbelievable, great film, it’s a little surreal,” McElwain said.

Notre Dame is 3-0 and coming off a 45-24 victory on the road at NC State. The Irish have won all three of their games by at least three touchdowns. Yeah, the Irish might be a tad better than the Wildcats CMU just beat by a field goal.

Here is everything else McElwain said about Notre Dame on Wednesday.

Opening statement

“It’s a game to look forward to at such a great place. Great players. Unbelievable coaches. And yet, I think it is a great opportunity for our university, our community just to be associated with such a great place as Notre Dame. And the opportunity to go there and play is something I know our guys, our university will remember for a long time.”

On scheduling a game vs. Notre Dame

“My hat’s off to their administration. I think Brian [Kelly] was actually there when it was scheduled. I’m sure, maybe looking out for us a little bit. Being able to not only be in such a great place but obviously being able to take that payday so we can support the whole athletic department and all the other sports as well. It’s something that keeps a lot of us alive in this conference and at other places. I think that is kind of how it is. I remember when I was asked, I was like, ‘Heck yeah, man.’ It’s an awesome place to be and an awesome place to play.”

On what stands out about Notre Dame

“I remember playing there and playing against them [as Michigan State’s associate head coach from 2003-05], it is amazing to me how they get those gold helmets so shiny. It is unbelievable. Now, the guys inside those gold helmets, great players. Marcus [Freeman] has done an incredible job there maintaining and getting better players over the years being at some other places. When you watch these guys, this is truly a top-five team in the country. The way they play, how they play, he has done an unbelievable job, their coaching staff. And they are going to be a team to be reckoned with all season by a lot of people.”

On playing at Notre Dame with Michigan State

“The history, for me personally, yeah, we were there at State, but you got to remember I grew up in Montana and every Sunday morning I’d wake up and at 10 o’clock you’d have Notre Dame highlights with Lindsey Nelson. People in Montana, there is a bunch of Irish fans there. So I always was as well growing up. The tradition, the environment, the way you’re welcomed, all those things, I still remember walking up the tunnel pregame and they cranked up the Notre Dame fight song in the tunnel. Goosebumps and all those things. And I hate to say it, but I might have started singing the fight song with them.”

On what he’s seen from Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman

“Like they needed that addition as good as they are. He knows how to play the game. As a guy who has coached quarterbacks for a long time, it’s fun to watch those guys that know exactly where to go with it, know exactly what to do with it. He’s the full meal deal.”

On the theme this week prior to the Notre Dame game

“Enjoy the moment has really been it for us. Don’t get scared when you see those shiny helmets.”

On where Notre Dame Stadium ranks in everywhere he has been

“I’ve been the luckiest guy on earth to be some of the places I’ve been. Wouldn’t have ever guessed I’ve been in any of them. This one in particular, the minute you walk off the bus you feel the history. Some places are newer or nicer, all those kinds of things. The minute you walk off the bus and head to this place, the memories, the history, the great games and players that have played there, that have coached there, those are the things that really hit you.”

On what Notre Dame does schematically that worries him

“They are so sound in all phases. That’s something that impresses me when I watch film. This year, they are a little more aggressive. When you break down last year in comparison, the blitz really is something, and how violent they are, is pretty awesome, to be honest with you. They do an unbelievable job. They change some things up coverage-wise which matches some of the pressures, which has been fantastic for them.

“Offensively, how efficient they are in what they do. Today’s game, there are not a lot of teams that have the tight ends they do that cause you so much issue defensively not only in the run game but obviously then in the play action and pass game. I just say this; they are a team that in all three phases deserves to be one of the top teams in the country.”