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Kelly's flexibility as a coach is that with his fast-paced, no-huddle offense that led Cincinnati to a 12-0 regular season in 2009, the Bearcats were dead last in time of possession (25:46). This year, Kelly's 12-0 Irish are 10th nationally in time of possession with a 32:34 average per game. Alabama was fifth (33:31) when it won the 2009 national title, 12th last year (32:48) when it captured it again and 23rd this season (31:49). Against Alabama, Kelly said Notre Dame might need the versatility to play up-tempo when needed. "There's a time and place for all of that," Kelly said. "Are we going to be exclusively in a tempo? No. But I like to pick our spots. Part of our offense right now will reflect more of that at times during the game … we'll pick our spots to use some tempo that we think can be beneficial for us." Quarterback Play One year ago at this time, Alabama junior quarterback AJ McCarron was a firstyear starter that helped steer the Crimson Tide to a national title. This year, sophomore Everett Golson is taking on that role for Notre Dame. After an up-and-down first two months, his improvement in the last month was dramatic. "He's probably at that level of needing to bring it every day," Kelly said. "He gets it now; he knows what's expected of him. … Not just the physical — because he has the physical tools — but bringing that mental edge every single practice. That's hard to do as a young guy, but I think he's starting to understand that." The mobility and improvisational skills Golson brings might fit the blueprint of the success Texas A&M quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel was able to produce against Alabama (24‑of‑31 passing for 253 yards with two New for Fighting Irish fans and friends of Notre Dame Notre Dame's Happy returNs Dublin, the Experience, the Game Text by Brian Ó Conchubhair and Susan Mullen Guibert Photography by Matt Cashore $38.00 cloth s 184 pages Includes 174 color photographs Junior quarterback AJ McCarron leads the nation in passing efficiency (173.08 rating), having completed 66.8 percent of this throws for 2,669 yards with 26 touchdowns and just three interceptions. "A beautifully illustrated and written book with a sharp eye on both Irish history and the massive importance of the Irish American link. It wonderfully captures the return of Notre Dame to their ancestral home for a never-to-beforgotten clash with Navy. This book puts you right there." —Niall O'DOwD, founder of IrishCentral.com and Irish America magazine photo courtesy alabama TD, 18 carries for 92 yards) in the Aggies' 29‑24 victory Nov. 10. Golson doesn't necessarily have to duplicate Golson's numbers, but the offense cannot achieve victory without explosive plays via the pass, according to Kelly. Alabama is surrendering only 2.5 yards per rush. "We've got to get big-chunk plays; I can tell you that right now," Kelly said. "They know that and we know that. … You're not going to win the game just trying to pound it in there." The Irish head coach said Alabama's greatest strength is it has no weak link. "There's not one of the 11 guys [on defense] that you can go, 'Let's go attack him,'" Kelly said. "Nor on the other end do you say, 'We've got to double this guy and take him out of the game.' They're just a good football team from one through 11 on the offensive and defensive side of the ball." ✦ tHe CHapels of Notre Dame Text by Lawrence S. Cunningham Photography by Matt Cashore Featuring over two hundred full-color photographs of the fifty-seven chapels located throughout the University of Notre Dame's beloved campus, The Chapels of Notre Dame is a great gift idea for all Notre Dame alumni and friends. $45.00 cloth s 176 pages Includes over 200 color photographs UNIversIty oF Notre Dame Press Available wherever books are sold or at: undpress.nd.edu s Tel. 800 / 621-2736 ✦ Page 3 Check out the book trailers on YouTube.