Notre Dame football: Could the Irish go with a two-QB system in 2022?
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football team has no clear starting QB as we inch closer to the Blue-Gold Game, and a two-QB system is a possibility in 2022.
The Notre Dame football team had two different starting quarterbacks the last two seasons, as Ian Book was drafted and Jack Coan replaced him in 2021. For the Irish, both players played at an extremely high level, and it was refreshing to see Coan come in and lead the team to double-digit wins as a graduate transfer.
Helping Coan along the way was two of his backups, true freshman Tyler Buchner, and true sophomore Drew Pyne. Buchner was called upon often in relief of Coan, providing a spark with his legs, while Pyne stepped in when Coan was injured during the Wisconsin game.
Both men are vying for the starting job in 2022, and it appears to be a race that could go on for months.
As Brady Quinn told Sam Marsdale from 247Sports.com, Buchner threw only 35 passes last season, so he will need to prove he is as good with his arm as he is with his feet. Buchner had some memorable moments as a true freshman in 2021, and many feel he is the true starter going into 2022, but Pyne also had his moments.
Notre Dame football with a two-QB system in 2022?
Tommy Rees loves both guys, and each will get a legitimate chance to secure the starting job for the 2022 season. However, if nobody emerges as the true winner of the job, could Rees go with a two-quarterback rotation, especially early on in the season.
Remember, Pyne served as Book’s backup as a freshman a few years ago, and while Buchner was outstanding last year, he has a lot of work to do. If they are both given even time, and play well in the Blue-Gold Game, the Irish may want to let both men play against a tough Ohio State defense, putting in packages for each signal-caller.
It is still very early in the process, and we could see one of them stand out this offseason and rightfully earn the job. Rees has a huge decision on his hands, as this team is playoff-ready, but a big question mark looms at the most important position in all of sports.