Notre Dame Football: 5 takeaways from the 2021 Blue-Gold Game

Notre Dame Football: 5 takeaways from the 2021 Blue-Gold Game

Coan vs. Pyne

One of the most important things coming into the Blue-Gold Spring Game was which of the two quarterbacks who have been sharing snaps on the first team would look better. After all, Jack Coan the Wisconsin transfer is the presumed starter, but the often overlooked Drew Pyne has been pushing him all Spring.

So, who had the better game?

Well, Buchner had the better game, but that only serves to complicate things. After all, most Irish fans would prefer to be in Buchner’s hands going forward anyways. Realistically, though, for this season, the answer is either Coan or Pyne. Buchner needs time.

Coan’s day was a disappointment, going 18-32 for 146 yards and an interception. That’s not exactly a line that inspires confidence in you, but Coan did do a few good things throughout the day. He did enough, in fact, that you’d be willing to write off a disappointing stat line as being related to the excellence of the Irish defense or just a bad day the grad transfer.

For one, Coan showed good footwork and the ability to avoid the rush in the pocket. He’ll never be the athlete Book was, so it’s important he can navigate the pocket while looking downfield. He showed that off well during the Blue-Gold Game.

As for Pyne, there wasn’t anything good to say about his stat line. 11-23 for 146 yards and an interception is a bad day at the office. Unfortunately, there weren’t many silver linings to his performance either. Well, there is one silver lining and that is that Buchner looks ready to jump ahead of him on the depth chart.

Kelly insists the job is still open, but it seems like it’s Coan’s to lose. Hopefully, he acts as a good bridge between Ian Book and Tyler Buchner, as is what’s expected of him.