What does Brian Kelly’s move mean to Notre Dame?
January 19th, 2010 by Adam Mankuta
Brian Kelly is an offensive genius. He has taken average Quarterbacks such as Tony Pike and made them into superstars. He also has the ability to make a run first QB (Zach Collaros) and turn them into true fantasy impact players. Now at Notre Dame, Kelly must start over without incumbent starter Jimmy Clausen as QB. He must also replace the production of star receiver Golden Tate. While this may seem like a steep chore, there should be plenty of talent available for Kelly to make his mark. One thing that his track record has also shown is improved play on the defensive side of the ball during his tenure. Let’s just say Defense is a glaring problem for Notre Dame.
Years at Central Michigan
- 2004 – 395.55 yards per game (39th), 23.64 ppg, 105th defense
- 2005 – 418.91 ypg (35th), 23.64 ppg, 74th defense
- 2006 – 375.29 ypg (32nd), 29.71 ppg, 67th defense. Won MAC championship and played in Motor City Bowl
Years at Cincinnati
- 2007 – 36.31 ppg (16th), 433.92 ypg (30th), 50th Defense. Top 25 ranking with 10 win season. Won Papa John’s Bowl
- 2008 – PPG drop to 25.86, 370 yards per game with 31st Defense. Top 25 ranking and 11 win season, Big East title. Lost Orange Bowl
- 2009 – 38.62 ppg (4th), 447 ypg (6th), 3,844 pass yards (6th). Undefeated season and ranked 3rd nationally. Lost BCS Sugar Bowl
Quarterback Dayne Crist (thanks Icon SMI)
Under center many Irish supporters are relying on Dayne Crist to take over. The Junior to-be from California is the front runner to be the next QB and he immediately becomes a fantasy quarterback to consider in drafts. While Crist may be the lead dog in the race, another familiar name to Irish fans has returned. Nate Montana has returned to the fold and will challenge Crist in spring practice. Montana should not contend right away, but considering Kelly is coming in with a fresh start and perspective, Montana should get a shot.
One player that will have an interesting transition with the new coach is RB Armando Allen, who only played in 8 games in 2009, amassing close to 700 yards and 3 scores. Allen should be healthy and return to the lineup in 2010, however under Kelly, running backs play a more vital role in the offense then under Weis. In 2009 with the Bearcats, Kelly had two backs that were productive. Isaiah Pead for 800 yards and 9 scores while Jacob Ramsey had 439 and 4 scores. Allen may end up splitting time with Robert Hughes, but he will play the Pead role. In addition to Pead’s production on the ground, he also caught 20 balls and had 2 scores. Allen is a draftable and serviceable running back who will enjoy having the new offensive guru as his head coach.
What Brian Kelly does have is a stud at Wide Receiver in Michael Floyd. As a true freshman, he scored seven times to go along with 48 catches and 719 yards. Although his sophomore year was limited because of a shoulder injury, Floyd was a stud in the games which he suited up. He recovered to record a total of 9 receiving touchdowns and almost 800 receiving yards in just 7 games of action. Now as the clear #1 weapon on offense, expect an 80 catch, 1,200 yard, 11 TD type of season as the Mardy Gilyard in Kelly’s first year Irish offense.
Another player to keep an eye on is Duval Kamara who will be entering his junior year and replace Golden Tate opposite Floyd. Kamara also will play the role of the 2009 Bearcats Armon Binns, who had 61 catches, 888 yards and 11 scores. Kamara’s productivity more then Floyd’s will be based on the solid play of who is at QB. See how Kamara looks in spring ball and see who emerges as the true #2 WR and then pounce.
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