Kelly Preparing Irish For Young And Talent Trojan Team
Saturday No. 3 Notre Dame will travel to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to face its last test before a potential shot at the College Football Playoff. A talented young USC team fighting to stay bowl eligible is looking to spoil a potential undefeated season by the Irish and won’t make it easy.
In the 90th meeting between the two schools, consistency and discipline will be essential for the Irish if they want to beat the Trojans on the road to remain undefeated.
“Our guys will stick with what they've been doing,” Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly explained. “We'll spend time on our preparation this week, working on some things we have to be better at. I mentioned the physicality, we have to clean up some of the penalties, have to be a little bit better in our white zone. We have things that we've got to work on as we prepare for this rivalry game, traveling trophy for the Shillelagh, something that our guys certainly want to keep, as well.”
USC may be 5-6, but they have shown some signs of a bright future especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Irish have to be aware of the significant play potential that the Trojans youth brings each and every play.
USC’s youth has shown their potential in spurts this year, notably in the 39-36 win over #7 Washington State back in September.
“They’re a very dangerous football team, especially on the offensive side of the ball,” praised Kelly. “You look at the skill players that they have, (Tyler) Vaughns, (Michael) Pittman, (Amon-Ra)St. Brown, (Velus) Jones. In the backfield (Aca’Cedric) Ware's has been really good. J.T. Daniels, a freshman who has incredible arm talent, very smart quarterback. So it's a big-play-potential offense. They can make plays all over the field.”
The offensive firepower led by talented youth is what is often talked about when USC is mentioned, but there is talent at all levels of the Trojan defense that can't be overlooked. Kelly is aware of the talent on the defensive side of the ball and is familiar with the experienced defensive coordinator at the realm.
“I have a lot of respect for Clancy Pendergast," stated Kelly. "He knows defense, has been in this business. He knows how to get his guys in good position structurally. Cam Smith is a tough, hard-nosed, physical kid. He's been around a while, battled through injuries, keeps coming back. I have a lot of respect for him. (Iman)Marshall is in the backfield a highly recruited player that is a really good football player.”
Even though it is Thanksgiving Week, the Irish team is ready to fly out Thursday and play Saturday. The team is content with the company of each other with sites on one thing, finishing the regular season 12-0.
“They want to hang out with their teammates,” explained Kelly. “They're looking forward to Wednesday and Thursday, the flight, being there on Friday. They're more interested in hanging out with their teammates. That's important to them. They really enjoy being around their teammates. Then they love to play on Saturdays.
“You add those two things up, yeah, they're sure going to enjoy warmer weather, but I think more than anything else they really enjoy being around their teammates, and they love playing together on Saturday.”