Even at their best under Brian Kelly, Notre Dame football has been shy of the elite. Yes, they have two undefeated regular seasons, but they were embarrassed by Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game, and by Clemson in the Cotton Bowl. Add in the lack of major bowl wins during Kelly’s decade of coaching at Notre Dame, and it’s clear there’s something missing.
The real question, is what is missing? How can Notre Dame football close the gap in the 21st century’s elite programs?
To be clear, this isn’t an issue that started when Kelly walked through the door.