The consensus is that Robby Toma killed Wednesday in his stint as sole spokesman for the Notre Dame football players as they arrived here in Fort Lauderdale for Monday’s BCS national championship game against Alabama.

The FIghting Irish senior receiver from Laie and Punahou was poised, thoughtful and entertaining. His statement that Notre Dame vs. Alabama was like Rudy vs. Forrest Gump was funny and insightful.

He also referenced his home state of Hawaii a couple of times.

“It feels good to be back in this weather,” Toma said, referring to the high 70s temperature and pleasant breeze in South Florida today.

He talked about being home in Hawaii for Christmas. “Everyone was excited. They’re all excited to watch the game. That’s all they were talking about while I was at home.”

Later, someone asked if the warm weather here would be a problem for the Notre Dame players.

“Not for me,” he answered. “Maybe some of the other guys. I grew up playing in this weather. So I’m excited.”

On Thursday, Manti Te’o will be at a press conference here at the Harbor Marriott Hotel, where the media is based. Quarterback A.J. McCarron will be one of the Alabama players available for interviews. It could be a madhouse.