The Notre Dame Fighting Irish took their first punch to the chin on Saturday when an epic comeback fell short, 24-22, on the road at the Clemson Tigers. Left to reassess everything following a nine-rank drop to #15 with Navy set to visit on Saturday, here's our rumors roundup regarding the week that was and week ahead for Notre Dame football.
Is Brian Kelly Unable To Win The Big Game?
The Irish played an extremely sloppy game for three quarters against Clemson. While they still had more than a puncher's chance to complete a massive 4th quarter comeback, the fact remains that the Irish lost and now have to rely on losses amongst the ranks of the undefeated to insert themselves back into the College Football Playoff picture.
Head coach Brian Kelly told reporters that the program doesn't accept "moral victories" on the road, even with how hard the injury bug has hit Notre Dame this year. Taking that "no moral victories" idea one step further, The Fan Indiana's Todd Burlage wondered in print recently whether or not Kelly can win the big one at ND:
"Kelly’s message sounds powerful enough, and we hope the best for his program is still yet to come. But the problem remains that Kelly’s teams rarely, if ever, win these marquee matchups. Saturday marked the sixth time in the last eight tries and the fifth straight game that Kelly’s Irish have failed to beat a ranked opponent on the road."
Notre Dame/Navy To Wear Same Gear In Tribute To One Another
Want a contender for the rivalry which has the most mutual respect between the two programs involved? How about Notre Dame/Navy?
Per a Navy press release:
"On October 10, Notre Dame and Navy face off in their annual, long-standing rivalry routed in tradition, honor and above all, mutual RESPECT. For the first time in college football, two opponents take the field with the exact same Under Armour baselayer, gloves and cleats to pay homage to the storied history and brotherhood between our two schools.
"The baselayer features both of our alma maters on the sleeves and glove palms with the words “Respect, Honor, Tradition” as a reminder of their connection to each other. The new Respect logo features a double anchor and a shamrock and is on the front of the baselayer top.
"Both sidelines and coaches will also wear the same sideline gear as a sign of mutual admiration."
Here's a sneak peack at the uniforms with matching baselayers:
A rivalry built on respect, honor & tradition. @NavyAthletics vs. @FightingIrish Saturday 3:30 pm. #ProtectThisHouse pic.twitter.com/iIQLCNiPiV
— Under Armour FTBL (@UAFootball) October 5, 2015
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