"That's the easiest question I've ever been asked in 20 something years of coaching," Martin said. "It's the greatest challenge ever. Somebody said, 'Well they don't have this or they don't have that like they have had in previous years.' Well, I'd have loved to have seen them in previous years because they've got a bunch of first-rounders. They are big, they're strong, they're fast. They are obviously well-coached. They are supremely confident and with that they play very fast."
Notre Dame is No. 49 in the country in total offense, averaging 421.3 yards per game. Alabama is No.1 in the nation in total defense, allowing 246 yards per game.
"They are just stronger and faster than anybody we've played," Martin said. "You can see it on tape. It doesn't take a lot of snaps to realize, 'OK, we talk about having to fight for every inch but this is a week it's a little more realistic.' It's the ultimate challenge, but it's the national championship game so that's what you expect, somebody who is pretty good on the other side of the field."
Martin will not change his approach, though.
"Like every week, we are prepared to play whatever type of game we have to play," he said. "The game will dictate how aggressive or not aggressive you are. We have a lot of time vested in doing what we're doing and we're getting better at what we're doing. You are planning to have success in both areas, but as the game dictates, if you're not having success in one area then you will rely more heavily on the other area."
