Kyle Brindza had a tough 2014 season, but he capped off his tumultuous season and his career with a game winning 33 yard field goal over LSU to give Notre Dame a 31-28 victory in the 2014 Music City Bowl.
Notre Dame used a clock draining, efficient drive to milk the clock down and set up Brindza with a 33 yard attempt for the win. Prior to the 2014 that would have been considered automatic, but this year Brindza has struggled mightily causing some sweaty palms from Notre Dame fans around the country watching.
Brindza’s kick was true though and the Irish finish the season 8-5 with a bowl victory for the third time in the five seasons under Brian Kelly.
Great opening drive to start game against top SEC defense. What a morale boost to O-line and Zaire first start. Then to finish the game with a another great drive with historic game winning field goal. Two tight end set worked really well and loved McGlinchey pushing and shoving SEC players around after whistle. Great blocks by Koyak , Martin and Cam on Procise 50 yard td. Heads up block by Zaire on Folston’s TD. Great TEAM win by the players and coaches. Tis a HAPPY NEW YEAR for sure ! Now let’s get best recruits from now till signing day.
Thanks rock, find me some linebackers like Olsen, stone breaker, lynch, teo’
BRUCE, EVERY YEAR A TEAM THAT GETS THE BREAKS IN CLOSE GAMES, AND STAYS HEALTHY WINS THE MAJORITY OF THEIR GAMES. IN 2012 THE IRISH WON SOME CLOSE GAMES THAT PROPELLED THEM TO AN UNDEFEATED SEASON. THIS YEAR THEY WERE ROLLING, UNTIL THE DEVESTATING LOSS TO F.SU. I THINK THIS GAME AFFECTED THE TEAM MORE THAN WE KNOW. FOLLOW THAT UP WITH THE CLOSE WIN VERSUS NAVY THAT COST US THE HEART AND SOUL OF OUR DEFENSE, JOE SHMIDT. MORE INJURIES CRIPPLED OUR D, COMBINED WITH MIND NUMBING TURNOVERS RUINED THE SEASON. THAT BEING SAID, ONLY U.S.C. BLEW US OUT. BEATING L.S.U. PROVES THE IRISH CAN HANG WITH ANYONE. I DO AGREE THAT KELLY’S PLAY CALLING CAN BE MIND NUMBING AT TIMES. ONE GAME I COUNTED TWENTY RUNS UP THE MIDDLE ON FIRST DOWN.HE IS VERY PREDICTABLE. HOWEVER YESTERDAY HE MIXED IT UP WELL. 2015 LOOKS PROMISING, BUT AS YOU SAID EVERY YEAR GAMES VERSUS TEAMS LIKE PITT, OR NORTHWESTERN TRAP US. AS FOR RECRUITING, I THINK YOU UNDER ESTIMATE THIS CLASS. OUR Q.B. RECRUIT BRANDON WINBUSH IS A STUD. HE HAS GOLSON’S ARM AND ZAIRE’S SIZE. MAYBE THIS WIN OVER A QUALITY OPPONENT FROM THE GREAT S.E.C WILL TURN A FEW KIDS TOWARDS THE GOLDEN DOME!
well it’s all said and done, this season in the most part was a disappointment in cause do to turnovers. This team as a unit has all the tools, and the talent to reach the ultimate goal for next year. In doing so, it comes down to putting the talent in the correct positions and winning out. Hopefully next years team can accomplish this and return to national glory as once before. Only time will tell, one game at a time.
Reality check, we went 8-5, the secondary looked bad, special teams gave up a touchdown, we still don’t have a world class. Defensive coordinator like barry Alvarez, we had a stretch where we loss 5 of 6 in a row, recruiting still doesn’t get us in the elite ranks, we can’t compete against harbaugh, Meyer, saban, etc. Kelly saved his job today. But his up tempo offense still leads to critical mistakes. He has to become a better coach than he was today. He refuses to get the kind of assistant coaches we need. Maybe, they liked playing on grass. But things many things have to change. Great victory. But a long long way to Irish glory.
This win was one of the biggest in the BK’s tenure at Notre Dame. This pogram BADLY needed something positive to happen on the field leading into National Signing Day and they got it.
I honestly did not think this Irish team would be able to play with LSU with their size and speed. I did not think playing both QB would work versus LSU. I still don’t like a two QB system but it was clear BK had a plan and he executed it with perfection. The O line looked good today and if Stanley comes back this line could be special in 2015. I don’t think he returns. He will be a first rd pick if he enters and it will be hard to pass that up. I liked what I saw from McGlinchey as welll today at RT.
I just hope these coaches hit the recruiting trail hard once the dead period ends and use the big win as momentum and bring in some elite talent with the few spots that are still open. OUTSTANDING WIN!
Thank you, ND!!!
Brindza’s winning FG was more typical of his career than those last two home games.And what a fitting and long-deserved way for Brindza to close out his ND career, adding one more to his FG school record number, and still yet another winning FG, while kicking key second half KOs out of the end zone, stopping anymore chances at 100 yard returns. You gotta love that ending for ND, and for Brindza.
all I can say is i’m shocked, happy but shocked.
I was impressed with the low amount of penalties (from both teams frankly). ND played disciplined for the most part.
There were a few blown coverages on the defense, but honestly, with the lack of experience by many of the players I can’t say I’m totally surprised. Thankfully the offense did what it needed to do and carry the team enough to win.
I’m sure BK and his staff will look at game film and look at what they can improve. I believe they did that before this game (hence, no turnovers, limited penalties and sticking with the run for a more balanced offense).
This team is poised to make a great run next year. It’s not unreasonable to expect a NY Big 6 Bowl at minimum based on who’s coming back and coming in.
I’ve said all along I really, honestly hope BK is the one to bring ND back to elite status. We can’t afford any more coaching failures. This game was a big step in the right direction. It’s all up to BK, his staff and the players to make sure that continues.
I didn’t think Kelly could stay with the running game and stay patient . Hope he sees this as a future offense not just a 1 time game plan. Go big Blew
Agreed. Pleasantly surprised by that. Was great to see the game plan toned down and just play more physical. Congrats to the team and thanks for another year. With a great ending.
A GREAT WIN FOR THE IRISH, POWERED BY MALIK ZAIRE. BURGUNDY WAS CORRECT WHEN HE MENTIONED A FEW GAMES AGO THAT WE MIGHT HAVE AN UNPOLISHED DIAMOND IN ZAIRE. KUDOS, TO THE O LINE WHO BATTLED THE TOUTED L.S.U. D IN THE TRENCHES , AND MORE THAN HELD THEIR OWN. NEXT YEAR LOOKS BRIGHT, GO IRISH!
31 points by the ND O against the SEC’s best D with a QB starting his first game. That’s pretty awesome! Best game by the OL all season, too.
My one question, though, is why not use Bryant more at RB. I hope we get one of the top RB recruits we’re working on. But I really think Bryant deserves more reps next season. Ideally ND has a RB 1 A) and 1 B) next season in TF and GB or vice versa.
Go Irish!
SFR
I think Bryant’s problem was his pass blocking. That’s one reason he didn’t play as much.
However if you watched any interviews with the defensive players this year..almost everyone said Greg Bryant was the hardest on the team to tackle..
Thanks, Mike. I agree. But with GB’s size and strength that is something that should be coachable. I expect the RB’s coach to work with GB on his pass protection. Next season we’ll need that two-headed monster at RB to complement the passing attack, eat up clock, and score TDs in the Red Zone.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Go Irish!
Thanks Rob, same to you.
Big win. I also thought it could be lopsided (against the Irish). They played with fire. The o and d lines were firing off. After the qb runs, they were over protecting their qb, even jawing a bit if need be, not too much but showing who was boss. It all starts up front. Folston running with authority, decisive cuts and good burst. He and Bryant will be great tandem next year.
Kelly is first ND coach to win at least 8 his first five seasons at ND. After only 16 wins the three seasons prior.
Impressed with the way he got the team ready after injury-ridden end of regular season. Tough academics, strong enforcement of conduct code at ND, not the easiest place to win, Kelly has handled it very well.
great win. Notre Dame played clean, focused and hard. Players and coaches hung in there and never gave up. A few things for next year. Does anyone know why Bryant didn’t play? Kelly kept saying how impressive he was looking and then he hardly played. Also, what is everyone’s take on what Kelly is going to do next year with these quarterbacks? This Zaire looks awfully good to me. Finally, defense needs a lot of work. The future is bright imho.
‘
Excellent points, Damian! Totally agree.
I really hope we have an honest QB battle. And I really hope the loser stays. Having two QBs of the quality of EG and MZ is a luxury few programs have.
But if the loser transfers, we have D. Kizer and the new recruit. It would be nice to be able to redshirt the incoming freshman, though.
Go Irish!
I do want to apologize for some of my remarks to Burgy especially. They were uncalled for. My only excuse is I was still working through the emotions from a great win. Mea culpa, friends.
Happy New Year to all!
GO IRISH!
If Golson loses he is gone but I don’t think Malik will beat Golson out. Either way they will both push each other this spring. I loved watching this run game today and Zaire is going to be a beast running the ball. He looked bigger in this bowl game…….I don’t know maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me.
And somewhere, deep in the tribal lands of the Middle East, a smile is coming across the face of Sad Warrior.
Hooah!
Max Redfield needs a lot of work. Awful
His coverage on that big TD pass was absolutely brutal. He was completely fooled on the play action to the RB. He has the tools to be a elite S but he just can’t put everything together. He was a 5 star athlete but he hasn’t come close to playing like a elite S. I am hoping he turns it around in 2015.
Wow. What else can I say. The logical half of my brain said ND was going to get their butts kicked, that we’d be lucky if they just kept it within reach. But wow. Against the top defense in the SEC, which is impressive. ND used the practice time to their advantage, not just to heal and get ready player wise, but obviously studying LSU to find what weaknesses they could exploit.
It wasn’t a flawless game. The defense did give up a few big plays that resulted in TD’s. But the team never gave up. That is one difference between BK teams and the Weis/Willingham teams.
Don’t underestimate the hugeness of this win for ND. They beat a decent SEC team in the first time in years. Maybe not an elite team, but LSU is a solid team nonetheless. First it will be huge for recruiting. Second, it gives the team momentum heading into next season to build on and it leaves a good taste to end the season with after an otherwise disappointing season.
What’s critical for the coaching staff is to carry the momentum into next year. Next year really will be make or break for BK. 8-5 will not cut it next year. He sort of got off the hook due to the critical injuries and dismissals this year. That should not be the case next year.
And I give credit to EG. Playing off the bench he did what was asked of him. Their as no pouting (figuratively) or disappointment apparent. I am a big believer in doing what you have to do to win. If playing 2 QB’s wins games next year, so be it. The same with playing 1. Whatever ND needs to do to win.
I thought they’d get beat too Damian..And thought Golson did a good job coming off the bench when needed. You think back to the 2012 season, it wasn’t Golson that got us there. If not for some gutsy clutch play by Tommy Rees ND would have never played in the NC game.
If not for the few big plays by LSU ND would have really controlled this game.
The big thing today was turnovers, there weren’t any.
That’s been the major problem this season.
Does it seem to anyone else like it takes too long for the sideline to get the play called in?
Well done Irish….Well done…
Great Game Irish…Great first start for Malik. I wonder watching this if ND’s best choice to win is to play or platoon both quarterbacks. I know there are some disadvantages to it but one advantage if you are making a playoff run is that both QBs have plenty of game experience and able to play the whole game in case of injury etc.
Rather than bringing someone in who hasn’t had many snaps and hoping they get up to speed quickly.
Great question, I would guess that it will hinge on if Golson goes pro this year. I know he will not get a high draft grade but he wont get one while sitting behind Zaire either. He might b smart to jump now. Get drafted late as a project QB.
Golson really doesn’t fit the mold for an NFL QB. You have a lot of QBs coming into the draft that have the size, arm etc.
Besides all the big names, I’m watching to see who picks Carden, he’ll be the surprise of the draft for many.
What a great way to end the year. I am glad that Brian Kelly finally realized that he had to call the game to the strength of his team. All year we ran a fast paced up tempo offense with a depleted young defense. If ND would have just slowed down I believe that we could have a lot more wins this year. But great game I hope he learned something.
You forgot a couple commas, English major
Lucky for me I am not an English major. Will you please be my editor.
So why no period at the end of your sentence English major?
Dave2nd replied on December 29th, 2014 at 5:56 pm
Go proof read somewhere else. Really?
Very happy victory.