Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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From The Locker Room Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly … On his team's victory: "Our style of defense is we're going to keep points down. We just need to be patient, and that's just the way we play. "Offensively, I've said from day one, we've got to score more points." On junior tight end Troy Niklas: "He's an option every time. He's a big-body guy. He's got to continue to work on separation. "But what he did today on some quick bubble throws — he manhandled some guys on the perimeter. He was an outstanding blocker for us today." Senior quarterback Tommy Rees … On Notre Dame's offensive performance: "We know we've got to improve every week. That is the goal every time heading into a new challenge, a little more consistency on offense. We had some opportunities that we missed. "But I think we're on the right path, and we continue to work hard and not get complacent. I think we'll be all right." On the next game at Michigan: "We've got a lot of guys that played there two years ago. We know Michigan is a rocking place and a rivalry game; everyone's going to be up for it. "We've got to stay confident, stay within ourselves, really pay attention to the game plan. And if we take care of our business, we won't let the crowd or any of that play into our execution." Fifth-year senior linebacker Dan Fox … On Temple's short passing game: "We were kind of expecting it. We were prepared for it and we just wanted to be successful that way." On playing without Manti Te'o: "It was a little different leading up to the game, but when you're playing, it's just football. It's doing things we love, so it's fine." Senior wide receiver TJ Jones … On what the offense needs to do to improve: "I think [we need to improve] on all ends. Run the ball a little bit better. We missed a couple opportunities reading the defenses or the process of the play. "Just improving on the details and intricacies of our offense." Senior cornerback Bennett Jackson … On how Notre Dame's freshmen played: "I think they did a great job. They continue to get better and work harder, and when you do that in this game and take each practice seriously, you're just going to improve your game." Junior running back Amir Carlisle … On his first game in a Notre Dame