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FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2012, file photo, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly smiles on the sideline during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich. Coach Kelly called it ¿white noise¿ when Notre Dame jumped into the rankings after its season-opening victory over Navy. That noise is getting harder to ignore now that the Irish are 4-0, ranked No. 9 and every team on their schedule has at least one loss and none is ranked higher than No. 13. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File) (October 2, 2012) |
SOUTH BEND -- At 4-0 and ranked ahead of every remaining team on its schedule, Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly is trying to execute a balancing act of sorts when it comes to his teams psyche.
Yes, he wants his players to remain hungry and filter out noise, but he also wants them to feed off their early success.
They need to focus on the process, Kelly said Tuesday at his weekly press conference. However, its also important that they understand the success that theyre having. Its important that theres a balance there.
After a week off following its fast start, ninth-ranked Notre Dame gets another stern test when the Irish play Miami. And Kelly is well aware of the 4-1 Hurricanes, who have posted back-to-back come-from-behind wins.
It tells us a lot about a football team and the way they win games, Kelly said Tuesday at his weekly press conference. Theyre a tempo team. They like to go fast.
The Hurricanes certainly didnt start fast the last time the teams met, in the Sun Bowl following the 2010 season. Notre Dame jumped out to a 27-0 lead before coasting to a 33-17 victory. In that game, current Miami starting quarterback Stephen Morris entered after the Hurricanes fell behind.
He looks like more of a veteran quarterback, Kelly said. Hes somebody that obviously is playing really good football.
While Miami is playing well offensively, averaging more than 35 points per game, the Irish offense has at times sputtered. Since a 50-10 victory over Navy in the season opener, ND is averaging 17 points per game.
We need to score more points, theres no question about that, said Kelly, who will be searching for his first five-game winning streak at ND. Were not scoring enough points.
Saturdays game is considered a home game for the Irish but will be played at Chicagos Soldier Field as part of NDs Shamrock Series. Kickoff is set for 7:39 (Eastern) and will air on NBC.
• Kelly said that defensive end Chase Hounshell will have shoulder surgery this week and will not play this season, and added that safety Austin Collinsworth, who had shoulder surgery this summer, will not play this season. Quarterback Everett Golson used the bye week to heal a shoulder problem that has been nagging him.
• Kelly on Tuesday was asked if linebacker Manti Teo is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Kelly essentially said that it depends on how you define the award.
Heisman Trophy. MVP. Top college player, Kelly said. We think he fits those categories.
