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Notre Dame Football: 20 biggest wins of the Brian Kelly era

By Daniel Morrison

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 12: Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly looks on during a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 12: Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly looks on during a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Tommy Rees of Notre Dame football. (Photo by Nate Shron/Getty Images)
Tommy Rees of Notre Dame football. (Photo by Nate Shron/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football: 20 biggest wins of the Brian Kelly era

17. Notre Dame 29, Rutgers 16 (2013)

Admittedly, this game gets a bump because it’s a bowl game, which means that it’s overvalued. But, hey, it won’t be the last bowl game to end up on this list because it’s a bowl game. In this case, Notre Dame beat Rutgers in the 2013 Pinstripe Bowl.

You probably don’t remember.

A back and forth first half led to a 13-13 halftime tie. That’s when the better coach was able to make adjustments and take over the game. The defense stiffened up, while the offense played ball control, and the Irish were able to outplay Rutgers in the second half to what wouldn’t be a particularly stressful game.

After the 12-0 regular season in 2012, four losses in 2013 were disappointing. However, this Pinstripe Bowl win did help to salvage the season and set up the 2014 season, which started as hot as possible for Notre Dame.

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