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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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Notre Dame football at North Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame football at North Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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

14. Notre Dame 31, North Carolina 17 (2020)

North Carolina was a step away from being one of the best teams in college football in 2020, but Notre Dame was backed by its most talented team of the Brian Kelly era. This set up what would be one of the best matchups of the year in the ACC regular season.

On top of what it said about 2020’s Notre Dame team, this game mattered in terms of ACC standings. A win helped clinch a trip to the ACC Championship Game for the Irish, keeping Miami and North Carolina at bay.

The game itself was an exciting back and forth game through the first half. Kyren Williams added two first-half touchdowns to counter a strong first quarter from Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell. From there, the defense stiffened up and shut down North Carolina.

The offense, meanwhile, kept rolling. Ian Book showed off his creativity in avoiding pressure and getting the ball out to his receivers. This was one of the key wins to the 2020 season, helping the Irish not just make the ACC Championship Game, but the College Football Playoff as well.

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