It wasn’t just a drive to flip field position against Wisconsin when Notre Dame’s backs were up against it. It wasn’t just a touchdown drive against the Badgers last week that stretched the lead to 24-13 and made things a lot easier.
And it wasn’t being called upon to bail Notre Dame out in the second half against Cincinnati after Jack Coan and Tyler Buchner were both bad. Sure it was against a very good team and defense in Cincinnati but neither were effective.
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But somehow, for the second week in a row, Notre Dame’s offense came to life when Drew Pyne entered the contest just after halftime. He immediately marched the Irish down to the Cincinnati 35, only to be replaced for a first down run by Tyler Buchner that did nothing. Without much surprise the offense sputtered the rest of the drive.
Brian Kelly wouldn’t commit to any quarterback after the game, instead stating the coaching staff has to get the position figured out. He also didn’t come out and declare Jack Coan the starter like he did after last week’s victory. I’m fairly sure he knows.
If he doesn’t something worth considering is the fact the rest of the offense has had more of a bounce in its step when Pyne is in compared to Coan or Buchner.
Perhaps one could consider that crazy thing called results and see who actually gives Notre Dame the best chance to move the football.
I have a feeling Kelly and company will make the obvious choice next week at Virginia Tech but until it’s actually official we’re still left to wonder.