Notre Dame coach Kelly happy to be 2-0 heading into matchup with MSU
By DOUG GRIFFITHS
ISL Correspondent
When Brian Kelly stepped to the podium at the Guglielmino Athletics Complex to begin his weekly press conference, he didn’t waste any time giving a state of the program two games into the 2012 season.
We’re happy to be 2-0, the Irish boss said. There certainly are some great performances individually to point out, but collectively as a team we did not play our best football. There is a higher standard for the way we should play offensively and defensively.
Kelly came to that conclusion after spending quite a while reviewing the video of his team’s 20-17 home victory over Purdue.
Any time you beat a Big Ten opponent, you’re pleased with the outcome, Kelly said. I told our team this, winning is not easy and we found a way to win the football game, but we have a lot of work to do.'”
He also is fully aware his Irish are about to embark on back-to-back games against nationally ranked teams at Michigan State and against Michigan.
Notre Dame’s next test will be its toughest to date as it travels to East Lansing to face the 10th-ranked and 2-0 Spartans in primetime.
To say the least, Kelly is impressed with Mark Dantonio’s Michigan State club, which has victories over Boise State and Central Michigan.
We’re excited about Michigan State and what that challenge brings, a top-10 team, one that is a perennial top-25 team and one that challenges for a championship every year, Kelly said.
Michigan State aside, Kelly continues to be more concerned with his club at this juncture of the season, knowing how much improvement it can and needs to make.
He likes what he’s seen from starting quarterback Everett Golson. Kelly thought Golson had one bad throw against the Boilermakers and really showcased his athletic ability and his ability to escape pressure.
Physically we’re pleased with where he is at this point and it’s living up to what we thought he could do, Kelly said. but we’ve got a lot to do with the mental part of the game, the quarterbacking and fundamentals.
The Irish brass and Notre Dame fans everywhere should be elated with the play they’ve gotten from the first-time starter. Thus far, Golson has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 433 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also has one rushing touchdown to his credit.
One area of concern for the Irish is the unit in front of Golson – his offensive line. They struggled to say the least against Purdue. Golson was sacked five times on Saturday and the Irish ground game did little against the Boilermakers’ stout d-line.
Clearly we’re going to have to play better up front against Big Ten opposition, in particularly Michigan State, Kelly said. We think that group (of offensive linemen) can get the job done at a high level.
Playing at a high level these days is nose guard Louis Nix III. The 6-foot-3, 326-pounder recorded four tackles, including 1.5 sacks, against Purdue.
He was terrific, Kelly said. He was one of those guys who played at a championship level.
The challenge for Kelly and his staff is to get all of their players playing at a championship level on a consistent basis.
Safety Zeke Motta was another player that stood out in his coach’s eyes. He had nine tackles against the Boilermakers, second only to linebacker Manti Te’o’s 10.
Zeke Motta was outstanding, Kelly said. Those two guys (Nix and Motta) played at a high level.
No doubt many of Notre Dame’s players will have to play at a high level if the Irish want to remain unbeaten after Saturday night.
NOTRE DAME NUGGETS
– One reporter during today’s teleconference/press conference asked Kelly if things such as academics hinder Notre Dame’s football program from behind the national power it once was.
Certainly I’m here for one reason and that’s to graduate our players and win a national championship, Kelly said. You would have a hard time moving me off that spot.
Whatever other people think and perceive that’s up to them, but I believe we have all the things in place here for us to win a national championship. We believe we’re building our program towards that end.
– Following the Purdue game, Kelly said the Irish had lost seven players at one point or another due to injury. At the time, he thought none of them was expected to be of the serious variety and he was correct.
Everyone who played against the Boilermakers is expected to be ready to go for Michigan State, including Golson (thumb), tight end Tyler Eifert (slight concussion) and safety Jamoris Slaughter (shoulder).
– Kelly said what played out with his quarterbacks where Golson was replaced by Tommy Rees to run the two-minute offense on Saturday isn’t his ideal scenario. He wants the same guy who starts the game to finish it.
– The Irish backfield will become even deeper this week with the return of running back Cierre Wood, who is coming off a suspension. Wood, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns last season, gives the Irish more versatility and more weapons on offense, Kelly said. Now Notre Dame’s backfield will consist of Theo Riddick, George Atkinson III and Wood.
