Notre Dame Wins Twice On Saturday, Brian Kelly Signed To An Extension

Aug 31, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly leads the team onto the field before the game against the Temple Owls at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest win of Notre Dame’s season-opening Saturday was not its 28-6 rout over Temple. Shortly after the Fighting Irish put the finishing touches on its victory, the university announced head coach Brian Kelly signed an extension to remain in South Bend through the 2017 season.

Kelly’s contract extension adds one year to his existing deal, as well as other particulars not disclosed as of publish. Athletic director Jack Swarbrick told The Chicago Tribune the details are “pretty simple contract, as these things go.”

Mirroring Kelly’s “simple” contract restructuring was how simple scoring touchdowns was for quarterback Tommy Rees. He may have assuaged initial concerns about his running the Irish offense in suspended Everett Golson’s stead, throwing touchdown passes to DaVaris Daniels on two of his first three attempts.

Rees finished 16-of-23 for 346 yards with three scores. Most promising was that Rees avoided throwing any interceptions. Turnovers have been the senior’s most vexing issue through his Notre Dame career.

“I’ve learned a lot in my three years previous. I got a great understanding of what’s going on out there,” Rees said in his post-game press conference. “All of that adds to the confidence. I have all the confidence in the world in my teammates.”

A new confidence did indeed emanating from Rees’ play. Kelly used the quarterback primarily out of a Pistol formation, and the quarterback looked comfortable. Support from his backfield cohorts in the run game certainly didn’t hurt Rees’ efforts.

Amir Carlisle led the three Irish running backs. Such depth will be important to building up the Notre Dame offense as the season progresses. UND was adequate though rarely spectacular on that side of the ball a season ago, instead relying on the outstanding play of one of the nation’s stingiest defenses.

The Irish snuffed out Owl red-zone opportunities, but the 362 yards Temple gained and those opportunities suggest Notre Dame has work to do to match last year’s benchmark. The 2012 defense set a high bar this year’s unit will be hard-pressed to meet. Continuing to produce at the 543-yard pace it hit on Saturday should lighten the load.

The offense’s production elevating to a level closer to that of the defense is a step toward establishing Notre Dame as the long-term powerhouse that Kelly was hired to build. Extending his contract to keep him in South Bend should help see that process to completion.