Champs Sports Bowl: 5 Things Notre Dame and Florida State Each Learned

Overcoming a 14-point third quarter deficit, the Florida State Seminoles scored 18 unanswered points to defeat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 18-14 in the Champs Sports Bowl.

The Irish took a 14-0 lead on a touchdown pass to Michael Floyd early in the third quarter, but the Seminoles stormed back thanks to their special teams and an opportunistic defense.

As both teams look ahead to 2012, let's examine five things each team learned Thursday night.  

1. Tommy Rees Is Not the Answer at Quarterback Next Year

Once again, and hopefully for the last time, Tommy Rees was an absolute disaster for the Irish.

Rees threw two interceptions in the end zone that cost Notre Dame valuable points in a four-point loss.

Andrew Hendrix wasn't much better throwing the ball, but his ability to run (four carries for 26 yards) will have him battling for the starting quarterback spot next season with redshirt freshman Everett Golson.

Brian Kelly needs a quarterback who can run his spread offense properly, and Rees proved to him one last time that he is far too limited to lead the Irish in 2012.

2. Irish Do Not Have a Capable Replacement for Michael Floyd

Michael Floyd leaves Notre Dame as the school's all-time leader in every major receiving category.

He finished the 2011 season with 100 receptions for 1,147 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Irish don't have anyone to replace Floyd and will need to gear their offense around a mobile quarterback and a quick strike spread attack.

Without a deep threat next season, the Irish will rely heavily on their ground game.

3. Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood Will Be a Lethal Backfield Duo in 2012

Facing one of the best run defenses in the country, Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick combined for 96 yards on 26 carries.

After playing receiver for the last two seasons, Riddick should move back to his more natural running back position while splitting the workload with Wood.

If both players stay healthy for 12 games next season, they could each top 1,000 yards rushing with Brian Kelly likely having to shift to a more run-oriented attack.

4. Tyler Eifert Will Be the Best Tight End in America If He Returns to School

Tyler Eifert now has a big decision to make, return to Notre Dame for his senior season or enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

With 57 receptions for 713 yards and five touchdowns in 2011, many already considered Eifert the best tight end in the nation as a junior.

He once again led the Irish Thursday with six catches for 90 yards, and it was the type of performance that could leave him thinking about a hefty pay day in the near future.

5. Notre Dame's Defensive Front Seven Will Be Among the Nation's Best in 2012

The Notre Dame front seven was dominant for the first three quarters of the game until they inexplicably stopped blitzing.

The Irish front seven put heavy pressure on the young Seminole offensive line, leading to five sacks on the night.

With stud freshmen Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt returning along with sophomore Louis Nix, the Notre Dame defensive line will be one of the best units in America.

Manti Teo's decision to bypass the NFL Draft and return for his senior season will help bolster a linebacking corp that will also be among the nation's best.  

Prince Shembo, Troy Niklas, Ishaq Williams, Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese will all compete to fill the remaining three spots.

6. Florida State Will Once Again Be in the Preseason Top 10 Next Year

With 17 starters returning in 2012, the Florida State Seminoles will once again be ranked in the preseason Top 10.  

Assuming the Seminoles can actually stay healthy next year, quarterback E.J. Manuel will lead an improved offensive attack that will try to keep pace with potentially the nation's best defense.

7. Seminole Defense Will Be Among the Nation's Best

The Florida State defense put its world-class speed on display tonight, racking up four sacks and three interceptions against the Irish.

The Seminole defense was among the nation's best this season (particularly against the run) and will be even better in 2012.  

Florida State led the nation in rushing defense, holding their opponents to an average of 2.32 yards per carry.

8. Rashad Greene Will Have a Breakout Year in 2012

Freshman Rashad Greene led the Seminoles with five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown against an overmatched Irish secondary.

A true freshman, Greene had his breakout game earlier this season against Wake Forest when he racked up 12 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown.

Look for Greene to be among the nation's best wide receivers in 2012.

9. Florida State Special Teams Will Continue to Shine

Already among the nation's best special teams units, the Seminoles were at it again tonight.

Florida State racked up 101 yards on two kickoff returns. A 77-yard return by Lamarcus Joyner led to their first points and shifted the momentum in the game after the Irish took a 14-0 lead.

Only a sophomore (imagine that), Joyner will be back again next season to lead an extremely dangerous Seminole special teams unit.

10. E.J. Manuel Will Finally Have the Year He Was Supposed to Have This Year

Playing behind an offensive line that featured four freshmen, E.J. Manuel had one of the best games of his career.

Manuel was 20-of-31 for 249 yards and two touchdowns, resulting in a QB Rating of 153.3.

Manuel's performance tonight could lead to some preseason Heisman talk for the senior QB in 2012.