Notre Dame's win over Pitt in triple-overtime was a little too close for comfort for Irish fans.
The usually stout defense gave up 172 rushing yards and a touchdown to Panthers running back Ray Graham.
Kelly said, more than anything else, the flu bug was what was beating the Irish.
Defensive end Stephon Tuitt and nose guard Louis Nix were battling the flu all week leading up to the game.
In the post-game press conference, one reporter questioned Kelly about just how sick the players were.
Q. Louis Nix was supposed to be sick early on in the game?
COACH KELLY: What do you mean?
Q. Reported as sick.
COACH KELLY: Okay, he was sick.
Q. He came in late in the game and played extremely well. Ended up with five sacks. Was it chicken soup or can you report on his performance?
COACH KELLY: Yeah, I don't like the tone of the question itself, and then the chicken soup comment. I don't know where you're coming from. What do you want me to say? The kid was sick all week, and he busted his butt to try to help our football team today. So, you know, Louis Nix has got a lot in the bank of trust with me.
If he can't go, there's a reason for it. He was in the infirmary two nights, and he came out and helped our football team.
