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GoldanDBlack express • volume 25, express 3 • 11 BY TRAVIS BAUGH AND ALAN KARPICK T he Heisman Trophy conversa- tion surrounding Everett Gol- son hasn't rattled Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly. "I don't believe if he's on the Heisman list that that's going to change what he does in his prepa- ration," Kelly told reporters this week. "So that's why I was like if you want to put him on it, that's fine. I think he's grounded enough that he knows what he needs to do to get better." The lack of worry from Kelly is a testament to the maturity he has seen from Golson since he missed the 2013 season due to academic impropriety. Through two games, Golson has completed 37-of-56 passes (66.1 percent) for 521 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions, in addition to running for three scores. His 521 yards are the ninth most among quarterbacks who have not thrown an interception. His decision-making and ac - curacy have improved dramatically since he completed 58.8 percent of his passes and threw six intercep- tions in 2012. Golson made his first ca- reer start at Notre Dame Stadium against Purdue in 2012. He threw for 289 yards and a touchdown. Balanced Backfield Notre Dame has rotated three running backs this season with each receiving between 15 and 21 carries thus far. Cam McDaniel and Tarean Folston bring experience as they combined for 240 carries and 1,175 yards last season. Greg Bryant gives the Irish another backfield option after he missed most of the 2013 season with a knee injury. Ball security A critical factor in Notre Dame's 2-0 start has been its ability to take care of the football. The Irish are one of 12 teams in the country who have yet to commit a turnover in 2014. The Notre Dame defense has claimed six takeaways to give the Irish a plus-6 turnover margin, which ties Kentucky and Temple for the best in the country. The Irish are 15-0 under Kelly when they do not commit a turnover. stout defense Notre Dame has allowed just 17 points in two weeks, the fewest the Irish have allowed in their first two games since 2002 when Maryland and Purdue scored a combined 17 as well. The Irish are tied for sixth in the country in scoring defense (8.5), while ranking 49th in total defense (328 yards per game). Sophomore linebacker Jaylon Smith leads the Irish defense. The 6-3, 235-pound Fort Wayne native has 13 tackles, including two for loss, through two games. Position switch Pays off Stuck in a crowded backfield, Amir Carlisle converted from run- ning back to wide receiver in the offseason. The position switch has gone well for Carlisle as he's caught nine passes for 115 yards and two touch- downs this season. He carried 47 times for 204 yards in 2013. "He is a conscientious kid, but he was learning a lot of football at (wide receiver)," Kelly said. "There is a lot going on. I think really what put him over the top was his concentra- tion on catching the football with his hands. Once that really became something that he felt comfortable doing, I think it really allowed him to progress quickly." Carlisle is the son of Purdue sports performance coordinator Duane Carlisle. historically sPeaking Purdue and Notre Dame will meet for the 69th consecutive time on Saturday night, but the series will take a hiatus until 2020 after this year. For both schools, it is their second-longest running series. Purdue has faced Indiana every year since 1920 and Notre Dame has battled Navy since 1927. Notre Dame and USC have battled each year since '46, as well. While the Irish have won 23 of the last 28 games, the Boilermakers' 26 all- time wins over Notre Dame ranks it third all-time among Irish opponents, trailing USC (35) and Michi- gan State (28). The winner of the game is presented the Shillelagh Trophy, a tradition started in 1957. The trophy was donated by the late Joe McLaughlin (a merchant seaman and Notre Dame fan who brought the club from Ireland). Notre Dame has taken home the Shillelagh Trophy 38 times in the 57-year history of the award. Purdue got off to a fast start in the battle for the trophy, as legendary coach Jack Mollenkopf won 10- of-14 games against the Irish from 1956-69. None of those wins were when the Shillelagh Trophy was at stake. For more on the history of the rivalry see Pages 3 and 35. j What You Need To Know About Notre Dame Tom Campbell Akeem Hunt gave the Boilermakers the early lead in last year's game in Ross-Ade on a 15-yard scoring reception. Purdue, a three-touchdown underdog, led the Irish 17-10 heading into the fourth quarter before suffering a 31-24 defeat. The lasT Time... Kelly 'fine' with Golson hype