Rockne's Roundtable

Some more quotes from Robby Toma, the lone Notre Dame player to speak to the media Wednesday:

On whether he expected to be here in August:
"With our schedule I don’t think anybody did. Even some of us didn’t think so, but just the fact of how hard we worked in the summer and our ability to compete every game for four quarters and then some — we had some overtime games. We’re excited to be here and excited to get it started."

On the Notre Dame-Alabama match-up:
"It’s Rudy vs. Forrest Gump. But both very storied programs and a bunch of national championships and we’re excited to compete with the best because that’s how you become the best."

On being an underdog:
"I think we’ve played a lot of games as underdogs this year a lot of people doubted us and nothing is going to change we’re going to compete for four quarters we’re not going to guarantee a win but we’re just going to go out there and play."

On his nerves:
"Definitely feeling a little nervous right now but if you don’t feel nerves something is wrong with you. This is a huge game and this is what you grow up for and what you want to play for when you’re young and, like I said, I’m blessed to be here."