"No matter what happens this year, this team is going to have each others back."

Those were the words of Irish captain and middle linebacker Maurice Crum on Thursday.

After a disastrous 2007, Crum feels the Irish have come together greatly in the off-season and will be ready Saturday when Notre Dame opens up the 2008 year against San Diego State at the Stadium.

"The offense, the defense and the special teams----everyone is in this together," Crum explained.

Fellow captain David Bruton agrees, "This team has shown a lot of camaraderie, a lot of unity and there's not really a split between offense and defense."

"It's one team---It's the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. I believe that will be showcased Saturday and in games to come and it will get stronger and stronger throughout the season."