Kelly Working On Keeping Notre Dame Grounded

September 18, 2012 3:43 PM

EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish talks to quarterback Everett Golson #5 while playing the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium Stadium on September 15, 2012 in East Lansing, Michigan. Notre Dame won the game 20-3. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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Brian Kelly, Michigan, Michigan State, notre dame

TOM COYNE,Associated Press

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is trying to make sure the 11th-ranked Fighting Irish don’t get caught up in the hype of their best start in a decade.

Moments after telling his 3-0 team to enjoy their 20-3 win at Michigan State, he quickly reminded the Irish they had to start to focus on No. 18 Michigan. He reminded them again when they met Monday, telling them the pats on the back they’re getting will quickly turn to criticism if they don’t keep winning.

Kelly is doing everything he can think of to make sure the Irish stay grounded as the players enjoy the program’s best start since Tyrone Willingham was coach. He message is simple: the Irish have a long way to go.