Q. Josh, how vital was it for you guys to get pressure before this game?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: It was big. I mean, it was definitely a slow start for us as a team. I think just coming in with the halftime adjustments, and like Coach Free said, stop the run, run the ball. That's a big thing to take to heart.
Q. What do you remember from last year's Ohio State game?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: I mean, kind of the same thing, kind of started a little slow. But really, it's the National Championship game, so it doesn't really matter who we played. It just so happens to be Ohio State, so we'll be ready to roll.
Q. How far are you up for this opportunity?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: I think it's a huge opportunity. This is what you come to Notre Dame for, and it's been two years. I think we're good and ready to go.
Q. Take us through the journey. Obviously you were hurt for a little bit. A lot of your teammates have been hurt. Do you believe you guys are actually in this position after all you've been through in this program?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: Yeah, kind of like we said at the start of the season, we have a lot of depth, and it's really shown with all the injuries we've had. But it's a huge credit to coach Landau and all the trainers being able to work with us and help us throughout all of these injuries.
I think it's been a huge step forward for the program, being able to go in like after practices and going to the weight room and get recovery as a unit. It's really shown in the long run that we're good to go.
Q. Do you remember where you were a lot of the season on the depth chart, and how much is your work ethic a testimony to being in this position?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: Yeah, kind of like I said, we have a lot of depth, so we've been rotating quite a bit this season. I think it's been a huge help seeing everyone is a hardworking individual and pushes each other to be great. Kind of like I said, just being able to work with one another, it's been really cool.
Q. How have you been able to work with RJ and Bryce, being able to be those three guys to step up?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: Yeah, it's been awesome. RJ has brought a lot. He's got a good knowledge of the game, experience, and it's been fun having Bryce, as well, stepping in as a freshman, being able to help teach him and express the game to him and just being able to see everyone succeed. It's been really cool.
Q. What makes Ohio State's offense such a challenge?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: They've got a ton of great players, a ton of athletes. They're a really good team. It's going to be a fun game.
Q. How much has Jeter committed to this program?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: Yeah, he's been a huge part. Being able to see him during practices throughout the week just being able to nail field goals no matter where he's at on the field and then being able to see it during the game, being able to come up clutch in those situations, it's been awesome to have someone like him around.
Q. (Indiscernible).
JOSHUA BURNHAM: Kind of like what I keep saying, the depth, you don't feel like you're the only guy that has to do it. Being able to rotate every possession and just being able to have, like, the ability to know that your brother is going to go out there and give it his all, I'm out with it. It's been huge.
Q. If you guys win this, what will this mean to you, and what do you feel like it'll mean to Notre Dame?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: It's going to mean a lot. We haven't won a National Championship in quite some time now, and it's going to put us back on the map and show that we're one of the top teams in college football.
Q. When you look at the Ohio State offense, what really jumps out to you?
JOSHUA BURNHAM: Yeah, kind of like what I said, they've got a ton of athletes everywhere. They've got a good offensive line. They've battled through some injuries. But so have we. It's just going to be a game that comes down to grit and who wants it.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports