Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com OCT. 2, 2017 31 Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly … On shift of momentum following Michigan State fumble at the goal line and the ensuing Notre Dame score: "That's the narrative in terms of who we're be- coming. Each team takes on a different kind of look each year, and this team and the way it's coached, and the way [defensive coordinator] Mike Elko was brought here because we knew that that's the kind of defense that he has coached in his tenure as defensive coordinator. "He coaches it every day, he talks about it, but more importantly it's taught every single day, so those aren't coincidences. And if we could be a very efficient offense in terms of running the football and be efficient in the red zone, those equal differential points and put you in the win column and that's all were looking to do — win games." On the Irish running back rotation: "I don't think there was a set plan. [Junior] Josh [Adams] is our bell cow, and we're going to continue to utilize his physical- ity at the position. We think Dexter [Williams] is a great complementary back in terms of what he can do, and you saw what Deon [McIntosh] was capable[of]. He runs hard, and he's a tough kid with a burst. "Tony [Jones Jr.] wasn't able to go, but we'll get him back most likely next week. We think we're very fortu- nate that we've got some depth at that position." Notre Dame junior quarterback Brandon Wimbush … On what was different for him this week: "I have to look at these yards. I just felt a little bit more comfort- able. Not that I didn't feel comfortable last week, I think that the guys did a great job up front, giving me time, and this week the receivers definitely got open. They made plays when their numbers were called." Notre Dame fifth-year senior left tackle Mike McGlinchey … On Wimbush's performance: "It's not a surprise to us. We know exactly the kind of player and the kind of man Brandon Wimbush is. "Everybody was harping on him all week. I don't know how you can harp on a guy that comes in and takes over a game and rushes for four touchdowns and 200-plus yards. "That's crazy to me that someone could even flaw him for that. We know the QB that Brandon is. We know who we have in him as a leader, and we are lucky as hell to have him behind us. We know when the ball is in No. 7's hand, something good is going to happen. "He proves that time and time again. We're very, very fortunate at the University of Notre Dame to have Brandon Wimbush as our quarterback." Notre Dame junior cornerback Shaun Crawford … On his strip at the goal line and end zone fumble recovery: "We emphasize turnovers big on defense. Through winter training and summer training, we al- ways fought to the end. Everything we did we had to finish. "With the play going down to the goal line, I just saw the ball loose, and I was going to get a punch at it. I was watching some videos of [former NFL cornerback] Charles Tillman throughout the week. I wanted to get my hands on the ball, and that inspired me a little bit. "The whole team, whatever we start we have to finish. We played a good four quarters today, and that's part of it." Notre Dame sophomore cornerback Julian Love … On turnovers and if the team is in better position for turnovers with changes and practice: "Every day we go through a turnover circuit. And that's showing, and it's getting ingrained in our brains. Shaun especially was a turnover magnet. "We're just going after it, and we're doing it for each other. I think that's why we're making these big plays." Notre Dame senior rove Drue Tranquill … On how gratifying the win was after last year's game: "It's great to get a win on the road. Two road wins in a row. I thought we played well as a team. "Super excited for these guys [Julian Love and Shaun Crawford] for making such great plays. It's just fun to celebrate in the locker room and sing that fight song." — Corey Bodden FROM THE LOCKER ROOM Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly improved to 4-2 against Michigan State, while the Spartans' Mark Dantonio is now 4-5 versus the Irish. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA