The Irish leave Tallahassee with an overtime victory

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Head Coach Brian Kelly comments on how Notre Dame's team mantra and grit contributed to helping the Irish defeat Florida State on Sunday.

“We have a mantra here about four quarters of football and one of them is starting fast, defensively as well. I think six out of the first eight possessions, other than the two big plays, we had them pinned down,” said Brian Kelly, Head Coach of Notre Dame Football.

Although the Irish only won the contest by three points in an overtime finish, the highlight player for the team on Sunday was new quarterback Jack Coan.

Coan threw for four touchdowns against Florida State and set a new record for passing yards made by a debuting Notre Dame quarterback with 366 yards in the air.

“I think what was impressive was obviously he pushed the ball down the field. I loved his demeanor on the sideline. And the moment wasn’t too big for him obviously. You go on the road in that kind of environment, you worry about how you’re going to handle it and he did a terrific job,” said Kelly on Jack Coan’s Sunday performance.

After winning their first game of the season, the number nine ranked Irish look to extend the program’s home game winning streak when they take on Toledo on Saturday.

“We’re excited to be home. We have our 24-game win streak on the line. And we’re playing a really good football team in Toledo. In my estimation, after watching their film, this is the finest MAC team that we’ve brought in since I’ve been here at Notre Dame,” added Kelly.

Both the Irish and the University of Toledo will enter Saturday’s matchup with a one and zero record.