Opportunity Knocks

On Saturday, the 15th ranked Utah Utes enter Notre Dame Stadium on Senior Day for the Irish squad. While many predicted Notre Dame to be entering this game at 6-3 and Utah undefeated and ranked in the top 5, things could not turned more different. Notre Dame sits at 4-5 coming off their bye week and Utah got crushed by TCU last week. Therefore, both teams have something to prove. For Utah, it's a marquee win (funny how that works) over a storied program and the continuation of their season as BCS at-large hopefuls. For Notre Dame and Brian Kelly, it's a statement game.

While Utah, at #15, is the top-ranked team Notre Dame has faced this season, the Irish have already had one opportunity this season to make a splash: #16 Stanford. Now we all know how that game ended up (I left early). Nonetheless, Notre Dame and more importantly Brian Kelly, could use this win to avoid his second 3-game losing skid this season. Not to mention, a loss on Saturday virtually eliminates Notre Dame from bowl contention (hard to believe).

But for me, the game this weekend begs a deeper analysis on two fronts crucial to the future success of Notre Dame - winning the big game and winning at home. I've already touched on a few reasons why a victory this weekend is monumental for this season, but it can easily be a springboard for the coaching career of Brian Kelly. Taking a simple look at precedent: Willingham, who's overall record against ranked teams was 6-8 was fired because he would lose to BYU and then upset #8 Michigan. Weis, who posted a record of 5-13 against ranked foes, was fired because he couldn't win the big game, and he lost to Navy - twice. Kelly has started off 0-1 against ranked opponents, and already has racked up marquee losses to Navy and Tulsa. Therefore, Brian Kelly needs this win to ensure the IRISH faithful, and recruits, we are not heading down the same historical path.

Secondly, if you want to compete for a national title, you must win your home games. It's a simple no-brainer for success. It's your home field - everything should be slanted in your favor. However, as OC pointed out in his recent column "Blow it Up," Notre Dame lacks an extreme advantage at home and it is not something new, but is something traditional domers have chosen to ignore (and blame on the coach). Willingham went 11-7 overall at home with a 5-1 season. Weis went 19-14 overall at Notre Dame Stadium with a 6-1 season. This year, the Irish are 3-3 at home. Kelly needs a highlight victory at home for all Notre Dame fans. Otherwise, these statistics will continue.

I'm as anxious as all to watch the Irish on Saturday. While I have yet to throw in the towel on Kelly, I believe this weekend, for better or worse, will set the tone for the rest of the season, and the rest of Kelly's tenure at Notre Dame. Opportunity knocks Coach Kelly, answer it.


-DH