Notre Dame football vs. USC: Offensive Grades in Week 8

Oct 23, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; The Notre Dame Leprechaun carries a Notre Dame monogram flag after a Notre Dame touchdown in the fourth quarter against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; The Notre Dame Leprechaun carries a Notre Dame monogram flag after a Notre Dame touchdown in the fourth quarter against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws a pass against the USC Trojans in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws a pass against the USC Trojans in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football vs. USC: Offensive Grades in Week 8

Quarterbacks

Jack Coan got the start and the majority of the playing time against USC. For the most part, he looked the way he was supposed to look all season long. That is to say that nothing was spectacular, but it wasn’t awful either.

The key to the game for Coan was to get the ball out of his hands quickly, which helped the offensive line to hold up in pass protection. Add the hurry-up and no-huddle looks to keep USC on their heels while spreading the ball around so they didn’t know where to look. Again, nothing spectacular, but there weren’t any disasters either. Even his interception, while not thrown perfectly, should have been caught. It could also be argued the interception was a simultaneous catch.

Jack Coan has his limitations. That much is obvious. He’s also capable of doing enough to help the Irish win. As long as he gets the ball out quickly and doesn’t have to sit in the pocket, then he’s fine.

Tyler Buchner saw some playing time too. That’s good for Buchner, who got good work in limited offerings, gives a different look to test defenses with. He ran well and completed both his pass attempts.

Grade= B+