"I don't spend much time on the past, don't mortgage the future. I try to stay in the present."
These were the words of Head Coach Brian Kelly during the Irish football Media Day. Despite the academic suspension placed on four Notre Dame football players, Kelly remained hopeful and focused for the team's goals.

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Kelly said the expectations for the team have not changed and that their only goal was to reach the playoffs.
"That's our only focus, to be one of those four teams to get in the playoffs," he added. "That's the only way you can think. There's only one way to put it together the way."
While losing players was a heavy blow, Kelly said it did not prevent him from seeing the big picture. More than being responsible for the four players, he also held the responsibility of the other 100 players, his supporting staff, and improving the football team and program.
The suspension of the four Fighting Irish players comes after quarterback Everett Golson had been suspended a year ago for cheating on the test.
During the press conference, Golson spoke about his own experience at suspension. He said he felt hurt at what happened, but needed to feel that in order to correctly self-evaluate himself and become a better person.
He also spoke about his teammates' situation and said that it brought their team together through adversity.
''I think we've done a great job of dealing with adversity and know everybody on the outside is going to talk. But we can only control what we can control and that's the mindset of our team. I think we've done a great job with that,'' Golson said.
The Fighting Irish were also united on focusing on the Rice Owls for their game on August 31. 

TagsNotre Dame, Fighting Irish, Everett Golson, Brian Kelly