Brian Kelly Wraps Up Rice
Brian Kelly held his Sunday press conference to address Saturday’s victory over the Rice Owls. Here are some of the highlights from the day.
On the players held out of participating in yesterday’s contest:
#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly hasn't spoken to anybody about the five players separated from the team.
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
Regarding the hypotheticals if KeiVarae Russell returned next week:
Even if CB KeiVarae Russell returned to the team, Kelly would keep Cody Riggs at CB, not move him to safety, despite yesterday's struggles.
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
On Pat Eilers helping out during Kyle McCarthy‘s cancer treatment:
Former #NotreDame safety (late 80s) Pat Eilers is helping #NotreDame with the defensive backfield while GA Kyle McCarthy battles cancer.
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
#NotreDame needed a special exemption from the NCAA to bring Eilers in. Sounds like the idea is he + McCarthy will = a full GA spot.
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
On the opportunity to get Malik Zaire into the game late:
Kelly on Malik Zaire getting in: "You love getting your back-up quarterback in the game. You can’t duplicate that kind of situation."
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
BK on the play of the defense:
BK says the absence of a consistent pass rush was part of a design as #NotreDame wanted to force Rice to throw the ball, not scramble.
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
BK on the D: “What you saw Sat. is, for all those guys, just a starting point. They’re going to get better. That’s the good part about it.”
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
BK on Jaylon Smith: "I would expect you’re going to see significant improvement from Jaylon from week one to week two."
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
BK speaking to defensive line depth, but could be about the entire team: "Look, it’s easier to get better after a win."
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
In regards to Michigan playing the Chicken dance after last year’s victory:
BK on Mich. playing Chicken Dance last year: "That’s their prerogative..They can play whatever they want. We’re gonna play the Alma Mater."
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 31, 2014
That’s the highlights from today’s press conference. Make sure to follow us @SlaptheSign to keep up with all Fighting Irish news.