The 2010 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football season, under head coach Brian Kelly's first year at the helm, was a rollercoaster ride of high hopes, significant challenges, and ultimately, a somewhat disappointing finish. Let's take a look back at the schedule and key moments from that memorable campaign.
The 2010 Notre Dame Football Schedule: A Season in Review
The 2010 season marked a transition period for the Irish, with a new coaching staff and a roster striving to find its identity. The schedule presented a mix of challenging matchups, both within the conference and against prominent non-conference opponents.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4 | Purdue | W 23-12 | Season opener; a solid start under Kelly |
| Sept. 11 | Michigan State | L 17-34 | Early setback against a strong Big Ten opponent |
| Sept. 18 | Michigan | W 28-21 | Upset victory over a rival in Ann Arbor |
| Sept. 25 | Boston College | W 21-6 | Dominant performance against ACC foe |
| Oct. 2 | Stanford | L 20-27 | Close loss to eventual BCS bowl contender |
| Oct. 9 | Utah | W 28-3 | Impressive win against a strong Mountain West team |
| Oct. 16 | Navy | W 34-22 | Victory against a service academy rival |
| Oct. 23 | Army | W 27-3 | Another comfortable win against a service academy |
| Oct. 30 | Tulsa | W 28-27 | Close victory with a last-minute play |
| Nov. 6 | Washington State | W 31-14 | Dominating performance on the road |
| Nov. 13 | Connecticut | L 20-30 | Setback against a Big East opponent |
| Nov. 20 | Wake Forest | W 38-10 | Victory to gain momentum in the late season |
| Nov. 27 | USC | L 3-31 | Tough loss to conclude the regular season |
Key Moments and Turning Points
The 2010 season was defined by several key moments:
The Early Wins: Building Momentum
The victories over Purdue and Michigan provided crucial early confidence under Coach Kelly. The upset victory against Michigan in Ann Arbor was a significant statement win, setting a positive tone for the season’s early stages.
The Losses and Lessons Learned
The losses to Michigan State, Stanford, and Connecticut highlighted the areas where the team needed improvement, emphasizing the need for consistent execution and defensive solidity. The loss to USC in the regular season finale served as a sobering reminder of the team's work ahead.
The Development of the Team
Despite the inconsistent results, the 2010 season laid the groundwork for future success. It showed glimpses of the offensive potential that would blossom in the following years under Coach Kelly's leadership.
The Overall Picture
The 2010 Notre Dame football season concluded with an 8-5 record, culminating in a victory in the Sun Bowl against Miami (OH). While not reaching the heights of previous seasons, the campaign provided valuable experience for players and coaching staff alike. The season served as a foundation upon which Coach Kelly built a successful program in the subsequent years, highlighting the importance of growth and resilience in the demanding world of college football. It's a season that Notre Dame fans will remember for its ups and downs, setting the stage for future chapters in the Fighting Irish story.
