2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

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2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football
Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo.svg
Music City Bowl champion
Music City Bowl, W 31–28 vs. LSU
ConferenceIndependent
Record8–5
Head coach
Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock (1st season)
Offensive scheme Spread
Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder (1st season)
Base defense 3–4 multiple
Captains
  • Cam McDaniel
  • Nick Martin
  • Austin Collinsworth
  • Sheldon Day
Home stadium Notre Dame Stadium
Seasons
  2013
2015  
2014 NCAA Division I FBS independents football records
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
BYU      8 5  
Notre Dame      8 5  
Navy      8 5  
Army      4 8  
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Brian Kelly and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. They compete as an independent.

Contents

The Irish started the season with a 6–0 record, ranked as high as No. 5 in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll, but had a collapse in the second half of the season, losing five of their last six games to finish the regular season at 7–5. Notre Dame's defense suffered significant injuries and yielded over 41 points per game over those six games. For the first time in school history, the Irish gave up thirty points or more in seven consecutive contests.

Despite the disappointing season the Irish finished on a high note, upsetting the heavily favored LSU Tigers (8 point favorites) in the Music City Bowl, 31–28. Kicker Kyle Brindza kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired. This was the first win by Notre Dame over a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team since beating the University of Tennessee Volunteers in 2005. This is also Notre Dame's first win over a ranked opponent in a bowl game since 1993, where they defeated No. 6 Texas A&M.

Before the season

2014 NFL Draft

The following former Notre Dame players were selected in the 2014 NFL draft:

RoundSelectionPlayerPositionTeam
116 Zack Martin Offensive tackle Dallas Cowboys
246 Stephon Tuitt Defensive end Pittsburgh Steelers
252 Troy Niklas Tight end Arizona Cardinals
383 Louis Nix Defensive tackle Houston Texans
389 Chris Watt Offensive Guard San Diego Chargers
4139 Prince Shembo Outside linebacker Atlanta Falcons
6188 Bennett Jackson Cornerback New York Giants
6189 T. J. Jones Wide receiver Detroit Lions

Transfers out / departures

Stephon Tuitt, Louis Nix, Troy Niklas and George Atkinson III all chose to forgo their final year of eligibility and enter the 2014 NFL draft. On April 4, 2014, sophomore cornerback Rashad Kinlaw was dismissed from the team due to violation of team rules. He subsequently left the university following his dismissal from the football program. [1]

Transfers in

Cody Riggs, a defensive back at Florida, announced he would transfer to Notre Dame in June after he received his degree in May 2014. He would be enrolled in a graduate studies program while exhausting his final season of eligibility. [2]

Coaching changes

Chuck Martin left to become the head coach of the Miami RedHawks. [3] Bob Diaco departed to become the head coach of the Connecticut Huskies. [4] Brian VanGorder, formerly the linebackers coach of the NFL's New York Jets, was hired to be the new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. [5] Matt LaFleur, formerly the quarterbacks coach of the NFL's Washington Redskins, was hired to be the new quarterbacks coach. [6] Mike Denbrock was promoted to offensive coordinator, filling the void left by Martin. [7]

Recruiting class

Brian Kelly received 23 commitments in his fourth full recruiting class including two five-stars: linebacker Nyles Morgan and offensive tackle Quenton Nelson. The class included student-athletes from 14 states.

US college sports recruiting information for 2014 recruits
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeight40Commit date
Alex Bars
OT
Nashville, TN Montgomery Bell Academy 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)290 lb (130 kg)May 7, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 84
Grant Blankenship
DE
The Colony, TX The Colony HS 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)252 lb (114 kg)4.75Jul 5, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 79
Jonathan Bonner
DE
Chesterfield, MO Parkway Central HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)250 lb (110 kg)4.8Jun 26, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 79
Justin Brent
WR
Speedway, IN Speedway HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)197 lb (89 kg)4.52Jul 9, 2012 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 82
Jimmy Byrne
OG
Parma Heights, OH St. Ignatius HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)295 lb (134 kg)5.1Dec 8, 2012 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 78
Daniel Cage
DT
Cincinnati, OH Winton Woods HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)295 lb (134 kg)4.9Feb 5, 2014 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 80
Jay Hayes
DT
Brooklyn, NY Poly Prep HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)270 lb (120 kg)4.8Nov 7, 2012 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 80
Kolin Hill
DE/OLB
Schertz, TX Samuel Clemens HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)225 lb (102 kg)4.56Dec 15, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 77
Corey Holmes
WR
Pembroke Pines, FL St. Thomas Aquinas HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)175 lb (79 kg)4.48Jul 17, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 83
DeShone Kizer
QB
Toledo, OH Central Catholic HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)215 lb (98 kg)4.81Jun 11, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 80
Tyler Lautua
TE
Paramount, CA La Mirada HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)240 lb (110 kg)4.9Dec 16, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 83
Greer Martini
LB
Raleigh, NC Woodberry Forest School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)230 lb (100 kg)4.7Jul 3, 2012 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 82
Pete Mokwuah
DT
Staten Island, NY St. Joseph HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)315 lb (143 kg)–-Jan 24, 2014 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 77
Nyles Morgan
LB
Crete, IL Crete-Monee HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)225 lb (102 kg)4.8Jan 4, 2014 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 5 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 84
Sam Mustipher
OG
Owings Mills, MD Good Counsel HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)295 lb (134 kg)5.1Apr 15, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 81
Quenton Nelson
OT
Holmdel, NJ Red Bank HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)300 lb (140 kg)5.2May 1, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 5 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 83
Tyler Newsome
K/P
Carrollton, GA Carrollton HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)175 lb (79 kg)5.0Jun 21, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 77
Nile Sykes
LB
Oak Park, IL Montini Catholic HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)220 lb (100 kg)4.6Dec 15, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 80
Drue Tranquill
ATH
Huntertown, IN Carroll HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)220 lb (100 kg)4.49Nov 19, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 78
Andrew Trumbetti
DE
Demarest, NJ Northern Valley Regional HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)250 lb (110 kg)4.69Mar 23, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 83
Nick Watkins
CB
Desoto, TX Bishop Dunne HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)185 lb (84 kg)4.47Nov 1, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 83
Nic Weishar
TE
Midlothian, IL Marist HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)235 lb (107 kg)Apr 23, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 4 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 82
Jhonathon Williams
DE
Benton Harbor, MI Berrien Springs HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)235 lb (107 kg)4.5Nov 27, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 77
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 6   Rivals: 11   ESPN: 11
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2014 Notre Dame Football Commitment List". Rivals.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  • "Scout.com Football Recruiting: Notre Dame". Scout.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  • "2014 Player Commitments – Notre Dame". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  • "2014 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014.

Personnel

Coaching staff

NamePositionYear at Notre Dame Alma mater (Year)
Brian Kelly Head coach5th Assumption (1982)
Mike Denbrock Offensive coordinator/wide receivers5th Grand Valley State (1987)
Brian VanGorder Defensive coordinator/inside linebackers1st Wayne State (1980)
Harry Hiestand Offensive line/run game coordinator3rd East Stroudsburg (1983)
Scott BookerTight ends/special teams coordinator3rd Kent State (2003)
Tony Alford Running backs/recruiting coordinator6th Colorado State (1992)
Kerry Cooks Defensive backs5th Iowa (2000)
Mike Elston Defensive line5th Michigan (1998)
Bob ElliottOutside linebackers3rd Iowa (1976)
Matt LaFleur Quarterbacks1st Saginaw Valley State (2002)
Paul LongoDirector of football strength and conditioning5th Wayne State (1981)
Ryan Mahaffey Graduate assistant1st Northern Iowa (2011)

Roster

The roster is current as of October 8, 2014.

2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Roster - und.com

Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

  • 11 Justin Brent – Freshman
  • 2 Chris Brown – Junior
  • 35 Cam Bryan – Junior
  • 3 Amir Carlisle – Senior
  • 87 Keenan Centlivre – Freshman
  • 10 DaVaris DanielsSenior
  • 7 Will FullerSophomore
  • 39 Luke Hamel – Freshman
  • 15 Corey Holmes – Freshman
  • 81 Omar Hunter – Sophomore
  • 16 Torii Hunter, Jr. – Sophomore
  • 37 Eric Lee – Senior
  • 20 C. J. ProsiseJunior
  • 88 Corey RobinsonSophomore
  • 86 Buster Sheridan – Sophomore
  • 83 Austin Webster – Freshman

Tight ends

  • 9 Mike Heuerman – Sophomore
  • 18 Ben KoyackSenior
  • 13 Tyler Luatua – Freshman
  • 80 Durham SmytheSophomore
  • 84 Ben Suttman – Sophomore
  • 82 Nic Weishar – Freshman
 

Offensive Lineman

  • 71 Alex BarsFreshman
  • 70 Hunter Bivin – Sophomore
  • 63 Sam Bush – Freshman
  • 67 Jimmy Byrne – Freshman
  • 79 Steve Elmer – Sophomore
  • 65 Conor Hanratty – Senior
  • 75 Mark Harrell – Junior
  • 74 Christian Lombard – Graduate Student
  • 68 Mike McGlincheySophomore
  • 62 Colin McGovern – Sophomore
  • 60 John Montelus – Sophomore
  • 53 Sam MustipherFreshman
  • 56 Quenton NelsonFreshman
  • 78 Ronnie StanleyJunior

Centers

Defensive Lineman

  • 92 Grant Blankenship – Freshman
  • 55 Jonathan Bonner – Freshman
  • 75 Daniel Cage – Freshman
  • 91 Sheldon DayJunior
  • 95 Marquis Dickerson – Sophomore
  • 93 Jay Hayes – Freshman
  • 50 Chase Hounshell – Senior
  • 94 Jarron Jones – Junior
  • 64 Ryan Kilander – Freshman
  • 73 Scott Kingsley – Sophomore
  • 89 Jacob Matuska – Sophomore
  • 97 Patrick Mazza – Sophomore
  • 96 Peter Mokwuah – Freshman
  • 45 Romeo OkwaraJunior
  • 56 Anthony Rabasa – Senior
  • 90 Isaac RochellSophomore
  • 98 Andrew Trumbetti – Freshman
  • 53 Justin Utupo – Graduate Student
  • 11 Ishaq WilliamsSenior
  • 33 Jhonny Williams – Freshman
 

Linebackers

  • 30 Ben Councell – Senior
  • 42 Michael Deeb – Sophomore
  • 59 Jarrett Grace – Senior
  • 43 Kolin Hill – Freshman
  • 52 Austin LarkinSophomore
  • 48 Greer Martini – Freshman
  • 8 Kendall Moore – Graduate Student
  • 5 Nyles MorganFreshman
  • 17 James OnwualuSophomore
  • 44 Doug Randolph – Sophomore
  • 38 Joe Schmidt – Senior
  • 9 Jaylon SmithSophomore
  • 31 John Turner – Junior

Cornerbacks

  • 43 Josh Atkinson – Senior
  • 34 Jesse Bongiovi – Sophomore
  • 21 Jalen Brown – Senior
  • 12 Devin Butler – Sophomore
  • 40 Connor Cavalaris – Senior
  • 41 Matthias FarleySenior
  • 35 Grant Hammann – Freshman
  • 36 Cole LukeSophomore
  • 2 Cody RiggsGraduate Student
  • 6 KeiVarae RussellJunior
  • 19 Nick Watkins – Freshman

Safeties

  • 29 Nicky Baratti – Junior
  • 28 Austin Collinsworth – Graduate Student
  • 4 Eilar Hardy – Senior
  • 46 Eamon McOsker – Junior
  • 36 Tyler Price – Sophomore
  • 39 Drew Recker – Sophomore
  • 10 Max Redfield – Sophomore
  • 22 Elijah Shumate – Junior
  • 42 Ernie Soto – Senior
  • 23 Drue TranquillFreshman
 

Kickers/Punters

  • 27 Kyle BrindzaSenior
  • 43 John Chereson – Sophomore
  • 85 Tyler Newsome – Freshman

Long snappers

  • 61 Scott DalyJunior
  • 99 Hunter Smith – Junior

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 303:30 p.m. Rice No. 17 NBC W 48–1780,795
September 67:30 p.m. Michigan No. 16
  • Notre Dame Stadium
  • Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)
NBCW 31–080,795
September 137:30 p.m.vs. Purdue No. 11NBCW 30–1456,832
September 278:00 p.m.vs. Syracuse No. 8 ABC W 31–1576,802
October 43:30 p.m.No. 14 Stanford No. 9
  • Notre Dame Stadium
  • Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)
NBCW 17–1480,795
October 113:30 p.m. North Carolina No. 6
  • Notre Dame Stadium
  • Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)
NBCW 50–4380,795
October 188:00 p.m.at No. 2 Florida State No. 5ABCL 27–3182,431
November 18:00 p.m.vs. Navy No. 10 CBS W 49–3936,807
November 83:30 p.m.at No. 9 Arizona State No. 10 ABC L 31–5565,870
November 153:30 p.m. Northwestern No. 18
  • Notre Dame Stadium
  • Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)
NBCL 40–43 OT80,795
November 223:30 p.m.No. 24 Louisville
  • Notre Dame Stadium
  • Notre Dame, IN
NBCL 28–3180,795
November 293:30 p.m.at USC FOX L 14–4979,586
December 303:00 p.m.vs. No. 23 LSU ESPN W 31–2860,149

Game summaries

Rice

Rice at Notre Dame
1234Total
Owls730717
No. 17 Fighting Irish1414101048

Michigan

Michigan at Notre Dame
(rivalry)
1234Total
Wolverines00000
No. 16 Fighting Irish7147331

In what looks to be the final meeting between Notre Dame and Michigan,[ citation needed ] Notre Dame defeated Michigan, 31–0, giving the Irish their most lopsided win against the Wolverines. The game ended Michigan's NCAA record of consecutive games without being shut out. (The Wolverines were last shut out in 1984 versus Iowa). Michigan turned the ball over four times, while Notre Dame had no turnovers. Michigan never reached the red zone in this game. Everett Golson went 23 for 34, throwing for 226 yards and three touchdowns for the Irish. Notre Dame went to 2–0 on the year.

Purdue

Notre Dame vs Purdue
(Shillelagh Trophy / Shamrock Series)
1234Total
Boilermakers770014
No. 11 Fighting Irish7107630

Syracuse

Notre Dame vs Syracuse
1234Total
No. 8 Fighting Irish01471031
Orange0301215

Stanford

Stanford at Notre Dame
(Legends Trophy)
1234Total
No. 14 Cardinal700714
No. 9 Fighting Irish0701017

With 1:09 left in the game and Notre Dame facing a 4th and 11 from Stanford's 23 yard line, Everett Golson finds a wide open Ben Koyack in the corner of the endzone to lift Notre Dame over Stanford 17–14. Stanford, the country's number one defense, had been giving up just 198 total yards of offense a game, but Notre Dame piled up 370 yards. Despite the Irish offense moving the ball, multiple mistakes including botched field goal snaps and turnovers in the red zone kept the game close throughout. Notre Dame's defense was dominant, giving up just 204 total yards and had two interceptions. Further, the Irish defense held Stanford to 47 yards rushing – Stanford's fewest rush yards in a game since 2007. With the win, Notre Dame moves to 5–0.

North Carolina

North Carolina at Notre Dame
1234Total
Tar Heels141210743
No. 6 Fighting Irish72171550

The 6th ranked Irish held off the North Carolina Tar Heels to win in a shootout 50–43. After trailing 14–0 in the 1st, the Irish found some rhythm to score 21 points in a row to take a 21–14 lead. The win marked the first time the Irish put up 50 points against a non-academy team since beating Stanford 57–7 in 2003.

Florida State

Notre Dame at Florida State
(rivalry)
1234Total
No. 5 Fighting Irish7107327
No. 2 Seminoles7314731

The Irish, who were double digit underdogs, looked to score the game-winning touchdown with :13 left after Everett Golson found a wide open Corey Robinson in the endzone. But the Irish were flagged for a pass interference penalty which took the touchdown away and pushed Notre Dame back 10 yards. Irish turned the ball over on the next play. The penalty was considered controversial by some [8] in a game many consider the game of the year between two top 5 teams. Everett Golson showed why many consider him a Heisman candidate by completing 31 of 52 passes for 313 yards and throwing for 3 touchdowns.

Notre Dame vs Navy
(Rip Miller Trophy)
1234Total
No. 6 Fighting Irish141402149
Midshipmen71014839

Arizona State

Notre Dame at Arizona State
1234Total
No. 8 Fighting Irish3771431
No. 11 Sun Devils171702155

1st quarter scoring: ND – Kyle Brindza 46-yard field goal; ASU – Zane Gonzalez, 47-yard field goal; ASU – Jaelen Strong 13-yard pass from Taylor Kelly (Gonzalez kick); ASU – Demario Richard 1-yard run (Gonzalez kick)

2nd quarter scoring: ASU – Damarious Randall 59-yard interception (Gonzalez kick); ASU – Cameron Smith 43-yard pass from Kelly (Gonzalez kick); ASU – Gonzalez, 28-yard field goal; ND – Will Fuller 9-yard pass from Everett Golden (Brindza kick)

3rd quarter scoring:

Northwestern

Northwestern at Notre Dame
(rivalry)
1234OTTotal
Wildcats914314343
No. 15 Fighting Irish20776040

Louisville

Louisville at Notre Dame
1234Total
Cardinals1437731
Fighting Irish3314828

For the first time in the history of Notre Dame football, the Irish have given up 30 points or more in six straight game. And for the second week in a row, a missed field goal by kicker Kyle Brindza late in the game dooms the Irish. Notre Dame is now 1–4 in the last 5 games after starting 6–0.

USC

Notre Dame at USC
(Jeweled Shillelagh)
1234Total
Fighting Irish077014
Trojans211414049

LSU (Music City Bowl)

Notre Dame vs LSU
(Music City Bowl)
1234Total
Fighting Irish7147331
No. 23 Tigers7714028

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415Final
AP 1716119896576815RVRV
Coaches 1715119885587816RVRVRV
CFP Not released101018Not released

Postseason

Awards

All-Americans

Name AP AFCA FWAA TSN WCFF Athlon CBS ESPN FOX Scout SI.com USAT
Will Fuller, REHM
Jaylon Smith, LB23
†denotes unanimous selection. NCAA recognizes a selection to all five of the AP, AFCA, FWAA, SN and WCFF 1st teams for unanimous selections and three of five for consensus selections       

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team</span> American college football season

The 2013 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Brian Kelly and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. They competed as an independent.

The 2013 Stanford Cardinal football team represented Stanford University in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Cardinal were led by third-year head coach David Shaw. They played their home games at Stanford Stadium and were members of the North Division of the Pac-12 Conference.

Malik Jamaal Zaire is an American media personality and former collegiate football quarterback. He currently works for the sports media company Overtime as on-air talent and as a producer, as well as a color commentator for college football games on the CBS Sports Network. He played college football at Notre Dame, before transferring to Florida as a graduate transfer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team</span> American college football season

The 2015 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Brian Kelly and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. They competed as an independent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team</span> American college football season

The 2017 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Brian Kelly and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. They competed as an independent. They finished the season 10–3, an impressive turnaround from the season before, where the Irish finished with their worst record since 2007. They were invited to the Citrus Bowl where they defeated LSU. The Irish would finish the season with four wins over teams that finished in the top 25 rankings, including winning three of those by over 20 points or more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team</span> American college football season

The 2018 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was led by head coach Brian Kelly, who was in his ninth season at Notre Dame, and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. The Fighting Irish competed as an independent.

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