Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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7 Consecutive victories by Notre Dame since 2012 in games that were decided by four points or less. In 2012, the Irish beat Purdue (20-17), BYU (17- 14) and Pitt (29-26 in three overtimes). Last year, ND defeated Michigan State (17-13), Arizona State (37-34) and USC (14-10). 8-7 Record (.533 win percentage) under head coach BRIAN KELLY versus ranked teams, including this one versus No. 14 Stanford. That makes Kelly one of nine FBS coaches with a winning record against ranked opponents at his current job. 14 Tackles recorded by sophomore linebacker Jaylon Smith, a career high. This included a sack among his 2.5 tackles for loss. 15.6 Points averaged by Notre Dame dur- ing regulation time in its five meetings with Stanford since 2010. The Irish never totaled more than 20 in a four-quarter game during that time, but managed to win in 2012 (20-13 in over- time) and this season. 17 Since head coach Gerry Faust's third season at Notre Dame in 1983, Notre Dame has not permitted more than 17 points by an opponent through the first five games twice — 2012 and now this season. 39 Times Notre Dame has started 5-0, the first occurring in 1903. It has been achieved twice in the last three seasons under head coach Brian Kelly (12-1 finish in 2012), but only three times overall the last 21 years. The other was 2002 (10-3 finish). 51 Career field goals converted by senior Kyle Brindza after his 45-yard make in the fourth quarter. That ties him with John Carney (1984-86) for No. 1 on Notre Dame's all-time chart. Both achieved that figure in 69 attempts (.739 percentage). Brian Kelly now boasts an 8-7 record against ranked opponents during his time in South Bend, making him one of just nine FBS head coaches with a winning mark in such contests at their current job. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA