Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/373357
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly … On the newly installed FieldTurf: "I thought that made for some sig- nificant moves for our guys, the abil- ity to cut. I thought it was, for us, a really good surface to play on." On the team's mindset with five teammates remaining separated from the squad: "They care about their teammates — that's clear — but they also know that they are here at Notre Dame to get a degree and to play for Notre Dame and to represent Notre Dame on the football field. "They have been really focused on their job and going out there. They have been really purposeful every single day. They haven't been a dis- tracted group, and that says a lot about them. I've got good leaders, and I've got young guys that have really followed the lead here." On what he told his team in the postgame locker room: "I was really proud of them today. I said before we get into talking about the win, I just want to tell you that I'm proud of the way you've handled your- self. And that means a lot moving forward. "When your locker room has that kind of resolve, good things are go- ing to happen to you." Notre Dame senior center Nick Martin … On finally playing a live-game against another team: "It was phe- nomenal. I went down against BYU last year, and I've been waiting since that second I walked to the sideline to come back in. It was fun." On blocking for senior quarter- back Everett Golson: "We knew, and we know, if you protect him FROM THE LOCKER ROOM Head coach Brian Kelly was pleased that his team committed just two penalties for 10 yards and did not turn the ball over. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA