Good news, Notre Dame football fans.
Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly believes his program has improved since its last encounter with Alabama heading into their New Year’s Day pairing in the national semifinal Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
There is a downside, though, as Kelly recognizes that Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide have impressively evolved since pounding Notre Dame 42-14 in the BCS championship game of the 2012 season.
“At first glimpse, it’s the proliferation of talent on offense, certainly at the wide receiver positions and at running back,” Kelly said. “I would say they continue to evolve on the offensive line, and I think their number two and number three running backs are as good as anybody in the country.
“I would also probably point towards great quarterback play – not good quarterback play, but great quarterback play – but their skill players and in particular the wide receivers have really elevated the explosiveness of these Alabama offenses.”