Notre Dame football: QB decision named one of biggest in the country
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football team has a big decision to make in terms of the quarterback spot this offseason, and it was rated one of the biggest in the country.
The Notre Dame football team is set in several positions heading into this upcoming season, but there is one glaring spot that will need to be decided this offseason. When it comes to football at any level, the quarterback spot is the most important, and the Irish will be starting a new one for the third season in a row.
Jack Coan replaced veteran Ian Book last season, but as a graduate transfer, is already out of eligibility with the Irish. Coan was backed up by Drew Pyne and true freshman Tyler Buchner last season, with Pyne stepping in and leading the team to victory against Wisconsin inside Soldier Field.
For Buchner, he was the true QB2 for the Irish, showing the ability to get the job done with his arm and his legs. That will be the key battle for the spot this offseason, along with true freshman Steve Angeli, who was one of the top-20 quarterback recruiting in the country this year.
Recently, Bleacher Report laid out the top-9 programs with the biggest decisions in terms of the position group this offseason, and the Irish were listed. Rightfully so, as the competition between Buchner, Pyne, and Angeli will be front and center all spring and summer.
Notre Dame football: Buchner should have the inside track
The piece, written by Morgan Moriarty, listed Buchner as having the inside track of winning the job, and as of February 17, we agree. Buchner was counted on in big moments by offensive coordinator Tommy Rees last season, and showed good poise under pressure, surprising for a kid who did not play his senior year in high school.
Buchner will have the inside track, but remember, Pyne was a big-time recruit for this program and has shown he can win at a very high level. He was the backup to Ian Book two years ago and was called on in a big spot against the Badgers, so for those who think Buchner getting the job is a foregone conclusion, think again.
Notre Dame football is loaded, and a potential College Football Playoff contender, so whoever gets the job will need to play at a very high level, and consistently. Game No. 1 will be possibly the tallest task of the regular season, a road game against Ohio State and a defense with plenty of NFL Draft prospects on that side of the ball.
Game on.