Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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fan forum Premature Statement "He's the most qualified, proven and successful head coach among his three predecessors, but he certainly cannot be categorized with Ara Parseghian or Lou Holtz, the school's standards over the past 50 years." I think this statement in the December "The 5th Quarter" is too presumptive. It just throws red meat to the always ready-to-pounce critics, the ones ever present at Notre Dame, the jackals constantly harping like a Greek Chorus. If Notre Dame plays Kansas State last year, then I see zero difference between Kelly and Holtz. Coaching at Notre Dame is absurdly difficult. In fact, I think it is more difficult than it's ever been. Brian Kelly is a truly outstanding coach. Yes, I'd like to see us be better on special teams, but Kelly's career won't be able to be truly evaluated until he has at least three years with a QB whose name is not Tommy Rees, probably one of the least athletic quarterbacks in Notre Dame history whose entire career has been intertwined with Kelly's. I believe you speakth too soon and do harm in the process. Tom Brannigan Philadelphia Mr. Brannigan, I agree that statement was premature — and especially not properly articulated. The mere fact that Kelly led Notre Dame to the BCS National Championship Game in three years speaks for itself, as does leading two different previously so-so programs to 12-0 regular seasons in a span of four years. Extremely few could achieve that. It's more about how Parseghian and Holtz became icon-like figures after four seasons at Notre Dame, whereas Kelly might have created some leeriness by interviewing with the Philadelphia Eagles last January. One other huge difference is Holtz played 16 top-10 teams his first four seasons, whereas Kelly has played five. That's not his fault, but just noting there is a difference. However, you are correct for calling me out on how it was written. Thanksgiving Woes Do you know what the won-loss record is for the Notre Dame football team for games played during Thanksgiving weekend? My guess is that the losses dominate the wins by a wide margin. Brian Kelly needs a powerful running game that can be utilized to win the highly contested games, especially in hostile environments. Remember Lou's and Ara's teams? Brian Sontchi '75 Via the Internet Mr. Sontchi, going back the last 50 years Want to stay up-to-date with all the Irish news? Like Us On Facebook:www.facebook.com/blueandgoldillustrated Follow Us On Twitter: www.twitter.com/BGInews