Published January 13, 2015
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly believes confidence is a key factor in the Fighting Irish being so good in close games.
After starting 2-5 under Kelly in games decided by a touchdown or less, the Irish are 10-1 in such games. Offensive tackle Zack Martin says it's a mindset Kelly brought to Notre Dame, saying the 17-13 victory over Michigan State last week was the kind of game the Irish likely would have previously lost.
Kelly had similar success at Cincinnati, where he went 8-0 in his final two seasons.
The Irish face No. 14 Oklahoma (3-0) Saturday. Notre Dame finished with a 17-0 spurt in the final 5:05 a year ago to win 30-13. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says the difference was the Irish made plays down the stretch.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/notre-dame-has-knack-for-winning-close-ones-10-1-streak-in-games-decided-by-td-or-less