Brian Kelly Recaps Loss to Miami (FL), Takes Blame

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Brandon Wimbush
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Brandon Wimbush /
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Mentally Crushed But Physically Ok

Following the beat down the Irish received, it is clear that Notre Dame may be shaken mentally. However, according to Brian Kelly, the Irish are physically well. Kelly told reporters via a teleconference that the Irish exited Hard Rock Stadium completely healthy. This is good news as the Irish try to regroup and win their final two games.

Wimbush’s Progression

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Brandon Wimbush struggled mightily against a fast and opportunistic Miami defense. After starting well, he ended the game completing only 10 of 21 passes for 119 yards with a touchdown and 2 interceptions. Wimbush added only 24 yards on the ground. Due to his poor play, Brian Kelly pulled him in the second quarter in favor of Ian Book.

According to Kelly, Wimbush learned a lot from this experience. The Notre Dame Head Coach said, “You never like to learn lessons in losses, but I think (Wimbush) gained a lot of understanding of what he needs to do to lead this football team.”

This year, first-year starter Wimbush struggled with his accuracy. He is only completing 50.9% of his passes.

“He’s in his first year starting, but this can’t be as good as it gets,” said Kelly.

Brian Kelly Takes Blame

One of the biggest complaints about Brian Kelly is his inability to accept responsibility for losses and player ineffectiveness. Last year, Kelly constantly threw players under the bus. Even earlier this season, he scuffled with a beat writer over the loss to Georgia.

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Following Saturday night’s loss, Kelly took complete blame for Notre Dame’s ineffectiveness. On Sunday, the eighth-year Head Coach took the full blame for not getting the Irish in the right mental state before the game. This is a positive change for the Kelly as he looks to continue this year’s turnaround.