There is no doubt that Notre Dame’s 31-28 victory over LSU in the Music City Bowl was a huge win for this team and this program. The biggest question is just how much this game will help Notre Dame moving forward into 2015. Here are three things we can take away from the game to help answer that question…
Brian Kelly Can Coach
D
espite a lot of fans calling for Brian Kelly’s head, and the many rumors of his possible departure to the NFL, I’m fairly confident that Brian Kelly will be back in 2015 at Notre Dame. What frustrated fans so much throughout the season was Brian Kelly’s love of the passing game. Sure, there were other things that happened during the season, and there are things about BK that some fans can stand anyways- but his determination to do it in the air was his biggest “flaw” for most.
Outside of the gameplan (which was magnificent) Brian Kelly showed how good he was by doing two thing:
- After a second half of the season disaster and a humiliating defeat at the hands of their biggest rivals, Brian Kelly got a team (a team that many thought “quit” on the coach) completely ready and locked in on their opponent and they played with passion. That team had a confidence and swagger that we hadn’t seen since the Florida State game- maybe even the Michigan game. Brian Kelly got them there.
- Kelly handled the quarterback situation as well or better than anyone else in the country. In fact, with Brian Kelly, I think there is some type of comfort level with having to use two quarterbacks in a game. It’s what he has kind of made his bones with over the years, and all of the moves he made that were associated with it, were great moves. He may have even set some type of blueprint for 2015 if (kind of a big “if”) Golson returns.
New Leadership Emerging
To be honest, this was something that wasn’t real noticeable to me during the game, but thanks to the FIDM cameras, we saw a few players- particularly, Tarean Folston, take on the role of team leader.
While it will remain to be seen as to who will be involved in leadership roles for 2015, I was encouraged to see this type of thing from guys that I didn’t expect to see it from. It was a difficult year for ND’s captain’s with injuries and all, and maybe we will see the emergence of next years head bros.
Getting The Band Back Together
Maybe my favorite stat following the Music City Bowl, is that 20 of the 22 starters for Notre Dame will return in 2015. (As long as no one transfers or leaves for the NFL early). Now add in KeiVarae Russell and Ishaq Williams- and hell,maybe even DaVaris Daniels and this team is LOADED for a run in 2015. Oh yeah, Joe Schmidt is back too- THIS IS AWESOME.
Seriously, if the Irish can finish the recruiting cycle out right and this team can stay healthy and eligible the roster is loaded. All of the misfortune of injuries and suspensions in 2014 may prove to be the ultimate blessing in disguise for 2015.
SO PUMPED RIGHT NOW
