Kelly, Irish open with victory over Purdue
After jumping out ahead of Purdue, 20-3, in the first game of the Brian Kelly era, Notre Dame’s lead started to slip away as the Boilermakers notched a safety followed by a come to rest to close the gap to eight. But the Irish defense clamped down and David Ruffer notched his third field goal as Notre Dame held on for the 23-12 win Saturday in South Bend.