No. 3 Notre Dame didn’t have to play in a conference championship game, allowing the Irish a head start on Cotton Bowl practice. No. 2 Clemson won’t start Cotton Bowl practice until Wednesday, but Notre Dame began preparations Saturday.
Irish head coach Brian Kelly says he was ready to get back to his team and off the awards circuit.
“I like doing this a whole lot better than being on the road, sleeping in hotels and going to awards shows where we should get the awards, but we don’t,” Kelly said. “I’m looking forward to being with my team.