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No Excuses In Bad Weather: 'Just Go Out And Play'

DeShone Kizer is tackled in last year's game at Clemson. (USA Today Sports)

Threats of bad weather this weekend at Carter-Finley Stadium for Notre Dame’s road matchup with North Carolina State bring back memories of last year’s monsoon at Clemson.

In the Oct. 4 thriller, the Irish tallied 432 yards of offense in a 24-22 loss to Clemson last season, a game played in a heavy rainstorm. Notre Dame did have four turnovers — three fumbles and an interception by quarterback DeShone Kizer — in the game, which was played in conditions similar to what is expected this weekend in Raleigh, N.C.

Though Hurricane Matthew appears to have veered slightly to the east, 1-3 inches of rain is expected and heavy winds are in the forecast for the Oct. 8 contest.

“I've never really had issues with weather,” said Kizer, who threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Clemson. “Playing ball in the Midwest, we've been through it all, from rain to sleet to snow to negative-degree temperatures. Last year (against Clemson) I was obviously apparent that I'm pretty capable of throwing the ball in the rain, just a couple of adjustments in my grip and I can rip it just the same. Weather doesn't affect me too much when it comes to throwing the ball.”

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly was asked on the Atlantic Coast Conference coaches teleconference Wednesday if the Clemson game was a good experience for his players to get used to those wet conditions.

“I don't know if it's ever good. But they know that the elements are what they are,” Kelly said. “Being up here in the Midwest, we're used to playing in all kinds of weather. So the guys will acclimate. We practice in wet-ball conditions and obviously are prepared for whatever the circumstances.

“And the most important thing: Don't make excuses. Just go out and play.”

Notre Dame, like most teams preparing for rainy conditions, will practice with wet footballs this week. Kizer said he has no problems throwing a wet football, focusing more on executing the pass and not trying to be perfect with his accuracy.

Wind, though, could be the bigger factor in the passing game. The Raleigh National Weather Service is calling for gusts of 25 to 35 mph, an element Kizer will take into account on game day.

“You have to gauge that when it comes to being accurate, and sideways-blowing wind can definitely affect the ball,” Kizer said. “But typically inside of a stadium that sits as high as the stadiums that we typically play in, down by the field the wind really doesn't affect too much unless it gets to swirl.”

On the offensive line, senior left tackle Mike McGlinchey said heavy rain does not change what the Irish will do up front. In the game against Clemson, Notre Dame was still able to run for 111 yards on 32 carries, even against a fierce Tigers front.

“Everything I'll do is pretty much the same as long as I have my feet underneath me, I'll be OK,” McGlinchey said. “And the same for the other four guys up front with me.”

The weather will be most difficult on Notre Dame’s receivers.

“It's definitely tough as a wide receiver, because you gotta catch the ball, obviously, and it's definitely tough, but it also requires a lot more concentration,” senior receiver Torii Hunter Jr. said. “And it's also going to be in a pretty hostile environment. You're going to be on the road, not at a neutral site. So it's going to be loud. And plus the rain, it's just more factors that you kind of have to take into consideration.

“But just requires more concentration. And last year (at Clemson), it was fun. It was actually probably one of the more fun games I've been in, just playing in the rain and getting to compete against those guys. So it just takes a lot more concentration, because they're still going to count on us to make plays on the perimeter.”

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