‘We don’t like those guys over there. Every since coming here, he’s been ingrained in me’ – Notre Dame defender ready to head back home
Notre Dame football is a program whose reach can’t be understated. The program, and university, casts a wide net and attracts some outstanding student athletes every year. That includes from the state of California, where 11 current Irish players are originally from. With the team set to travel to take on the USC Trojans this […]
Notre Dame football is a program whose reach can’t be understated. The program, and university, casts a wide net and attracts some outstanding student athletes every year. That includes from the state of California, where 11 current Irish players are originally from.
With the team set to travel to take on the USC Trojans this weekend, those players are ready to head back home and hopefully come out with a big victory. During media availability on Monday, junior defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka was asked about the rivalry, and his unique perspective being from California.
“It’s a rivalry,” Tuihalamaka said. “Ever since I came here, it’s been ingrained in me. Growing up in California, I could be a fan of USC and Stanford. Coming here and understanding the rivalry and everything, playing them the last two years, there have only been times where I can’t like them.”
Not only is this huge for a player like Tuihalamaka in terms of taking it to the home-state school, but there is a lot left on the line for the Irish. If they win, then they will have officially earned a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoffs. That fact, on top of the rivalry aspect, should be enough to bring a lot of energy out of this team.
The defense is also using their performance during the 2022 game as fuel this week as well. During that loss, Caleb Williams dazzled on several noteworthy plays, while the Trojan run game took over. Tuihalamaka and his group remember that game well, and are ready to get revenge in Southern California.
“We just have to keep that pain,” he explained. “Just letting them make plays like that against us, we can’t let that happen on Saturday with anybody.”
You can bet that several family members of Tuihalamaka will be in attendance on Saturday. The former Bishop Alemany star is ready to roll in front of his loved ones.
