NOTRE DAME, Ind. --  The Irish climbed three spots to 8th in both the Associated Press and ESPN coaches poll thanks to their victory over Michigan in the season opener. Head Coach Brian Kelly explained the lessons learned from Saturday's game and what he expects from Ball State.

Coach Kelly said they have an exercise called "Well, better, learned" after each game.  

He says he learned that he has a confident team and they played well together with great communication, but he learned that his guys still have some work to do this season.

"What we learned is that we have to finish off an opponent. We had opportunities to put Michigan in a very difficult position, and we did not, and so I think we learned a lot from that experience.  We've got to --when we see an opportunity to put an opponent away, we've got to have a dominant mindset and be able to do that," Coach Kelly said.

The Irish dominated the wolverines in the first half but played conservatively in the second half and gave Michigan a chance to win.  

Kelly also said he would like to see improvement in special teams as the Irish move forward this season.

Up next the Irish will face Ball State.

BSU is coming off a 42-to-6 win over Central Connecticut State in the season opener led by quarterback Riley Neal- who threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns while the offense amassed a school record 652 yards.

Coach Kelly says despite playing in the MAC, the Cardinals offense is not to be over looked.

"He's an outstanding quarterback. He's a quarterback that could lead a power five team. He is an NFL prospect. He reminds me a lot of a quarterback that I had at Cincinnati in Tony Pike. He's 6'5", 225. He's got a live arm. He's got some nice weapons around him. He's got three very good backs, all quality backs, and they run them all into the game," Coach Kelly said.

The Cardinals also boast 4 former local high school players on the team including offensive lineman Danny Pinter from South Bend Adams.