Quick Hits: Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly's Syracuse week press conference
The Irish have played their last game in Notre Dame Stadium this season, but they will finish out their "home" schedule with a Shamrock Series matchup in Bronx, N.Y., against AP No. 12/CFP No. 13 Syracuse (8-2).
Yankee Stadium will play host for one of the toughest games on No. 3 Notre Dame's slate this season. Before the Irish (10-0) put their undefeated record back on the line, head coach Brian Kelly hosted his weekly press conference Tuesday.
These are some of the notable statements from Kelly.
• Kelly said he's moved past wishing this weekend's game was being played at Notre Dame. After it was made clear the game wouldn't be moved, Kelly said he has focused on getting his team prepared for the challenge of playing in New York.
• On defending Syracuse's offense: "They’re like the triple option. You try to come up with a scheme against it — they’ve seen it. So you better be fundamentally sound."
• Kelly said quaterback Ian Book went through all the workouts on Monday and will practice on Tuesday. He missed the Florida State game with a rib injury.
• Kelly said defensive tackle Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, who suffered a broken foot against Michigan, won't be ready to return by the end of the regular season. The current goal is to have him available for postseason play.
• On the difference between Notre Dame's team this November and last November: "Health has a lot to do with it. Our guys are in a good spot when it comes to their health."
• On nose guard Kurt Hinish: "He's played really well this year. He's been a consistent performer." Kelly said Hinish improved his ability to shed blocks.
• Kelly said nickelback Nick Coleman played his best game of the season against Florida State.
• Kelly called Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey fearless. "He's just a tough guy," Kelly said. "That toughness kind of envelopes that entire offense."
• On quarterback Brandon Wimbush being prepared to step in for the Florida State game: "Everything that he's done leading up to last week is indicative of who he is." Kelly said t shouldn't have been a surprise.
• Kelly said freshman safety Paul Moala will be an impactful player for Notre Dame down the line. "He's a physical kid," Kelly said. "He's done a great job in the weight room. He has a pretty good sense for football."
