Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/424772
UNDER THE DOME "When you have younger guys that have to be put in a role, it's not their fault. They just have to be put in there. It's harder for them to learn the defense. The biggest thing is just learning the schematics." Notre Dame sophomore defensive end Isaac Rochell on the seven freshmen regularly contributing to the Irish defense "This team just never quits. They really genuinely love each other, and they'll do anything for each other. Eventually, these guys will be champions and I know that." — Notre Dame fifth-year senior safety and team captain Austin Collinsworth on what he has learned about the Irish during their November swoon "We're 10 points from having three more wins, right? Florida State ... and then we miss a field goal here to go to overtime. Very easily, this team could be in a totally different position, so that's college football. They're very close. We needed to make a play here or there, a kick here or there, and it's a totally different look to it." — Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly on if the Irish overachieved when they started the season 6-0 "The effort that these kids have been giving has been outstanding with the loss of five players and a ton of freshmen having to play. I'm proud of what they are doing for me, and that is playing with great effort." — Kelly on what he took away from back-to-back losses at home "What sort of fit would Kelly be at Florida? The Gators are desperate for an offensive-minded coach. Kelly fits that bill, and then some. The blueprint he has had for an offense over the last five years finally had all the pieces in place this season. There have been flashes: an up-tempo, high-octane approach to gaining yards. THEY SAID IT PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA