Notre Dame's Sugar Bowl Triumph Provokes Sly Dig From Joel Klatt Aimed At Brian Kelly

The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team's thrilling 45-38 victory over the Oklahoma State University Cowboys in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2023, led to a post-game comment from FOX sports analyst Joel Klatt that has garnered significant attention.

Klatt's Comment and Kelly's Response

Following the game, Klatt stated, "I think this is the best Brian Kelly Notre Dame team I've ever seen and I'm not sure it's particularly close." This comment was interpreted by many as a subtle dig at Kelly, who left Notre Dame to become the head coach at Louisiana State University (LSU) in November 2021.

Kelly responded to Klatt's comment during a press conference the following day, saying, "I appreciate Joel's comments. I think he's a great analyst. I think he's very insightful. I think he knows the game of football. I think he's very good at what he does. I appreciate his comments. I think he's a great guy." Kelly did not elaborate further on Klatt's statement.

Notre Dame's Performance in the Sugar Bowl

Notre Dame's victory in the Sugar Bowl was a culmination of a successful season for the Fighting Irish. The team finished the regular season with a record of 11-1, including a 45-14 victory over rival University of Southern California (USC) in the regular season finale. The Fighting Irish were ranked 5th in the final College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, but they were not selected for the CFP semifinals.

In the Sugar Bowl, Notre Dame faced an Oklahoma State team that had finished the regular season with a record of 11-2. The Cowboys were ranked 11th in the final CFP rankings. Notre Dame took an early lead in the game and never trailed. The Fighting Irish offense was led by quarterback Drew Pyne, who threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Audric Estime added 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

The Fighting Irish defense also played well, limiting Oklahoma State to just 38 points. Defensive end Isaiah Foskey had two sacks and two tackles for loss. Linebacker JD Bertrand also had two sacks and a forced fumble.

Analysis of Klatt's Comment

Klatt's comment about Notre Dame being the best team he has seen under Kelly is likely based on the team's performance in the Sugar Bowl. The Fighting Irish played a complete game on both sides of the ball and looked like one of the best teams in the country. However, it is important to note that Notre Dame did not play any of the top teams in the country during the regular season. The Fighting Irish's only loss came against the University of Marshall, a team that finished the season with a record of 8-5.

It is also worth noting that Klatt's comment is subjective. There is no objective way to determine which Notre Dame team is the best. Some people may prefer the 2020 team that went 10-2 and finished 4th in the CFP rankings. Others may prefer the 2018 team that went 12-0 and finished 3rd in the CFP rankings. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which Notre Dame team they believe is the best.

Conclusion

Notre Dame's Sugar Bowl victory was a significant achievement for the program. The Fighting Irish played a complete game and looked like one of the best teams in the country. Klatt's comment about Notre Dame being the best team he has seen under Kelly is based on the team's performance in the Sugar Bowl. However, it is important to note that Notre Dame did not play any of the top teams in the country during the regular season. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which Notre Dame team they believe is the best.

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