Notre Dame tries to avoid overlooking Wake Forest

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 8-1 this season and looking to keep their playoff dreams alive with a win against Wake Forest this week.

Statistically it's a game the Irish should have no problem with. Wake Forest has lost three straight games and are one of the worst scoring teams in the country this season.

So, Head Coach Brian Kelly says the biggest hurdle will be keeping players focused on Saturday --- not looking ahead to games to come.

"It's kind of like being on the treadmill where you just kind of keep your eyes in front of you and you just keep moving forward," said Brian Kelly. 

But with this week's opponent, it's hard not to look ahead a bit. They haven't defeated a top 10 team since 1946, but a bye week to prepare could help them.

"We are playing a team that has had some time off and time certainly to study us," said Brian Kelly. 

In other news, running back CJ Prosise has completed the first step of concussion protocol and is still listed on the active roster. 

Safety Avery Sebastian has been cleared for physical activity.

Defensive tackle Jarron Jones could be available for postseason play.

And RT Mike McGlinchey has been cleared to play this week.