Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/176703
From The Locker Room Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly … On an ugly win: "I would characterize it a little bit differently. I think both defenses really carried the day here today. I think Michigan State has a great defense. "They're very difficult to play against in so many fashions. I think [Darqueze Dennard] is probably one of the best corners that we've gone against, and I've seen them all." On the pass rush: "It was good to see Stephon Tuitt. He's rounding into the kind of shape we all want him to be in. We're getting that push. We're seeing that from [Prince] Shembo. "We're starting to see those guys really start to round into that kind of presence that we saw last year. It's getting better." Notre Dame senior quarterback Tommy Rees … On winning close games: "It's the way we prepare, the way we're coached, the mindset of the team. We're comfortable in those close games, knowing what it takes and when we need a big play. "Obviously, we'd like to put more points on the board. Michigan State has a real good defense. We grinded enough drives and points to find a way to win that game. Battling in those close ones, it's exciting to win those." On throwing deep often: "That's something we've had in the game Head coach Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish won their 10th consecutive home game, which is tied for the third-longest streak in the 84-year history of Notre Dame Stadium. Photo by Bill Panzica plan. We know we're going to get a lot of man coverage, one-on-one matchups. Their corners are aggressive; they like to play physical." On freshman wide receiver Corey Robinson: "He's a sure-handed, trustworthy guy. He had a big game today for us. We have all the trust in the world in him. "He's somebody that really prides himself on his ability to catch the ball. I think he showed that today." Notre Dame senior cornerback Bennett Jackson … On the play of freshman cornerbacks (Cole Luke and Devin Butler):