Takeaways from the Notre Dame College Football Playoff Media Day

Time to Rest

My final takeaway from Media Day was the emphasis both the players and coaches put on this time of rest before the CFP semifinals. The wear and tear both mentally and physically effects everyone involved in this Notre Dame team and this break will let everyone get refreshed.

Maybe in most need of the break to recover was star linebacker Drue Tranquill. Tranquill spoke about the injuries he accumulated this year when I spoke to him, and also referenced his injuries of the past. He talked about how difficult it was to recover from not only one, but two ACL tears. But he truly feels as if he has become a much better man and better player because of it.

Tranquill realizes how precious the game of football is, and nothing is taking him off the field this season — literally nothing. How many guys in the country play through a broken hand and a severely sprained ankle? That’s not even taking into account the other various bumps and bruises one acquires while playing as hard as Drue does.

Nearly every player and coach mentioned the nice period of rest they’ve had, and all feel as if it will serve them well as they look forward to Clemson on the 29th. If you really think about it, Notre Dame has suffered a slew of injuries in 2018, yet they have looked largely very impressive in nearly every game this season.

So, imagine a fully-healthy Irish team, motivated as all hell to smash Clemson in Jerry World. That’s a scary thought.