Slap the Sign
Fansided

Simulating to find the best Notre Dame Football team in the Brian Kelly era

By Daniel Morrison

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Brian Kelly and players of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to take the field for the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Notre Dame Stadium on October 05, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Brian Kelly and players of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to take the field for the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Notre Dame Stadium on October 05, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Notre Dame Football
Notre Dame Football (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Simulating to find the best Notre Dame Football team in the Brian Kelly era

The Matchups

2015 Notre Dame vs. 2017 Notre Dame

The story of this game was turnovers. In particular, the 2017 Irish defense harassing DeShone Kizer to the tune of four interceptions.  Brandon Wimbush, meanwhile, had a very Wimbush day going 14/26 for 184 yards and 1 touchdown. He just didn’t have those turnovers that were the main difference in a very even game. It was so even, in fact, that both squads averaged three yards a rush.

Final Score: 2015 Notre Dame 10, 2017 Notre Dame 24

2015 Notre Dame vs. 2019 Notre Dame

The 2019 team ran for 138 more yards than the 2015 team did but still lost by two touchdowns. That’s not easy to do unless you’re coached by Mike Leach. The key was 2015 kept Chase Claypool in check, only catching four passes for 41 yards. It also didn’t help that, while Ian Book took care of the ball in terms of turnovers, he was under 50% for a completion percentage.

Final Score: 2015 Notre Dame 27, 2019 Notre Dame 13

2017 Notre Dame vs. 2019 Notre Dame

With a second loss, the 2019 team is eliminated and they’re eliminated as they give up a 50 burger to the 2017 team. This time Chase Claypool had a great game, scoring two touchdowns, with Ian Book putting together a three-touchdown and two interception day. Perhaps the most surprising thing is that the 2017 team didn’t throw for any of their touchdowns, instead of sticking to the ground. Josh Adams and Deon McIntosh had two rushing touchdowns each, though.

Final Score: 2017 Notre Dame 50, 2019 Notre Dame 27

At this point, with the winless 2019 team being eliminated, there are only two teams left. The 2017 team and the 2015 team. As the 2017 team beat the 2015 team head to head, they went unbeaten and are the four-team who is going to make the tournament.

Home/Notre Dame Football