Notre Dame Football: 5 Players who need to step up in the second half

Notre Dame Football: 5 Players who need to step up in the second half

The Quarterback Position

Tommy Rees likes to talk about how this is the best quarterback room he’s been around at Notre Dame, and there is no denying that the three Irish quarterbacks have a positive attitude, stay focused, and undeniably have potential. The problem is that their play has been inconsistent, and halfway through the season if you asked three different Notre Dame fans who the starter should be, you’d likely get three different answers.

So, while Brian Kelly may not want the flavor of the week, he has to want the best option available, right?

Well, it’s a mess. Jack Coan came in to bridge the gap between Ian Book and Tyler Buchner. He’s flashed his skills, at times, but inconsistencies have dragged him down. Coan isn’t mobile and doesn’t feel pressure well. That’s hurt behind this offensive line, and it doesn’t help that his accuracy abandons him.

Buchner looks good at times, especially with his legs, but he’s also clearly a freshman who struggles with the speed of the game. Meanwhile, Drew Pyne has looked great in relief twice, but something is keeping Kelly from turning to him.

Ultimately, whoever the quarterback is, and it will likely be a blend of all three quarterbacks, needs to step up going forward. They need to get the ball out quickly, and they need to feel and avoid pressure better than they have been. The bad turnovers, like Coan’s early interception against Cincinnati, need to stop.

More importantly, they need to inspire the offense and bring a level of confidence and identity. Do that, and the remaining schedule isn’t all that difficult to navigate.