This is over the last 31 games going back to the beginning of the 2019 season. I don't see how this can be interpreted as anything other than Kelly being right about taking the ball first.
31 games
27 – ND gets ball first
87% - Take Ball First
13% - Lose toss or defer
25% - 3 and out (7/27)
75% - Sustained Drives (Avg Drive = 52 yards)
48% - Scoring Drives (13/27 possessions – Avg 5.8 points)
22% - Opponent scores in 1st possession of 2nd half (6/27)
78% - Opponent punts on 1st possession of 2nd half
9 = Net number of extra possessions for ND (ND gets ball 1st and last possessions of 1st half)
75 points – Points ND scored on 1st possession
33 points – Points ND allowed in 1st possession of 2nd half
+42 points – Differential in ND points vs opponent points
In the 4 games against Clemson (2), Alabama and Georgia ND did not have a 3 and out (scored twice)