Tuesday’s With Brian Kelly: Putting Miami (FL) To Rest and Moving Forward
By Andrew Hall
The Notre Dame football team hopes to forget about the disastrous performance in South Florida and pick up their ninth win against Navy. Prior to their Senior Day tilt against the Naval Academy, the Fighting Irish Head Coach, Brian Kelly, met with the media. Here are a few updates from Tuesday’s press conference.
Honoring The Seniors
The Fighting Irish will honor 26 Seniors and Graduate Students on Saturday. Although some of those players will return in 2018, it is important for the team to pick up a victory for those who will never play inside Notre Dame Stadium ever again.
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Kelly noted that the Senior group has done a great job at refocusing the program after a poor 2016 season.
Stopping the Option
Notre Dame faces the triple option for the first time this season. With only one week to prepare, the Irish must make every practice count.
Brian Kelly said that they vetted Mike Elko’s triple option experience prior to hiring him. Elko played against Army, Georgia Southern and other triple options teams during his career. Kelly said, “This isn’t a defensive coordinator that is coming in inexperienced in terms of stopping the option.”
One of the biggest issues with stopping the Naval Academy is how much they change up their attack. The Notre Dame Head Coach, who will be coaching in his 101st game in South Bend, said, “You have to be prepared for every look from the last 10 years.”
Obviously, this is no easy task.
A Healthy Backfield
Brian Kelly said that the Irish backfield should be healthy for this week’s game. According to Kelly, this is the best that Josh Adams and Dexter Williams have been in several weeks. If so, the Midshipmen defense better look out.
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Wimbush Rededicated
Brandon Wimbush definitely struggled against the Hurricanes. Kelly complimented him on being a great competitor.
However, he also noted that they are still getting to know him as he progresses along this season. Kelly has faith that he will bounce back on Saturday.