Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly Wants Enthusiasm, Not Emotion
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly met with the media on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming game against Clemson
Notre Dame Brian Kelly did not hesitate to say that his team had been looking forward to this game when he met with media members on Tuesday afternoon.
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“It should be a great environment at Clemson — our guys are excited about the challenge,” Kelly said.
However, Kelly wanted to temper the emotion of the game because it mentally and physically drains players. Instead, he wants simple enthusiasm.
Despite significant injuries to starters Jarron Jones, Tarean Folston, Malik Zaire, Durham Smythe and Drue Tranquill, Kelly believes that his team is prepare to compete with the Clemson Tigers.
“There’s no quit in our team. They will go on the road and battle for four quarters. I know about their grit and determination,” said Notre Dame’s 6th-year Head Coach.
The Fighting Irish will need all the grit and determination they can muster to compete with Clemson’s gift players. Kelly singled out Quarterback DeShaun Watson, Wide Receiver Artavis Scott and Defensive End Shaq Lawson. DeShaun Watson, according to Brian Kelly, is a “game wrecker.”
Notre Dame played Saturday without Wide Receiver Corey Robinson (injured in pre-game warmups) and Tight End Tyler Luatua (concussion). Robinson will be ready for Saturday’s contest while Luatua’s status appears to be up in the air. Kelly told reporters that if Luatua was not clear by tomorrow, he would likely be unable to play in the game. This would be a significant blow Notre Dame’s two Tight End formations.
Max Redfield, Notre Dame’s big enigma on Defense, will start as Free Safety for the Fighting Irish. He had been struggling with a broken thumb that he suffered against Texas.
Notre Dame Quarterback DeShone Kizer will need to play an excellent game on Saturday in order for the Irish to win. Kelly certainly believes in Kizer’s ability.
Brian Kelly said of Kizer, “DeShone has a real good sense of what needs to be accomplished.”
One of the difficulties Kizer will face on Saturday night is the loud crowd noise from the Clemson faithful. Kelly said that the team will practice on grass for 6 periods with loud noise pumped in. The Offense will use non-verbal cadence throughout the entire practice.
Notre Dame faces Clemson at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night.