The excitement is at an all-time high as Notre Dame hopes to remain unbeaten when they take on Wake Forest Saturday.
This is the last home game of the season as the Irish battle to stay undefeated and expand their record to 11 and 0.
There are a ton of things that go on behind the scenes to prepare for Game Day. Dozens of people help organize and setup the team's equipment.
The university gave WSBT News rare access to go inside the Irish locker room. Notre Dame students push large storage carts into the Irish locker room containing what some would consider "Priceless merchandise" – Notre Dame's golden football helmets and uniforms.
"Everything's kind of mapped out and laid out for a reason. It's not just slapped together," said Ryan Grooms, head football equipment manager.
Every Thursday night before a home game, Grooms and his crew of 24 students meticulously organize and set up the Irish locker room.
Some students are required to put double-sided tape on some players shoulder pads.
"The jersey won't be able to be pulled off of him and he can just slip away."
Then jerseys are put on the pads, straightened, and placed up on top of the lockers, all facing in the same direction.
"The goal is to make sure everything is identical," adds Grooms.
Cleats are lined up carefully: tongue out, laces in.
Pants neatly hung.
"We're here to make the team's job easier," said Andru Creighton, a Notre Dame senior who is head student equipment manager.
The famous golden dome helmets – all 102 – are shined up and set out at a particular slant.
"All facing the 'Play Like a Champion’ tunnel because that way they're ready to take the field for battle."
Notre Dame's next battle against Wake Forest could put them at 11 and 0, something not accomplished since 1989.
Grooms has managed equipment set up for four other schools. He says nothing comes close to Notre Dame's locker room routine.
"I don't know that there's another place that rivals the tradition and the history that comes along with Notre Dame. It's truly a special place, unlike anywhere else."
