Notre Dame Recruiting: Fighting Irish Set for BCS Bowl with Gunner Kiel

Notre Dame's primary problem in a disappointing 2011 was its quarterback play.

That's why when it was announced that the Fighting Irish had miraculously landed top-ranked quarterback recruit Gunner Kiel on Tuesday, they were instantly set up to make a run at a BCS bowl next season.

The Fighting Irish gave up just 20.7 points per game this season, ranked 24th in the nation. This was despite a developing, young defense that was just beginning to realize its potential.

However, the offense—particularly the quarterback play—disappointed, leading to two quarterback controversies. First it was Dayne Crist vs. Tommy Rees, then it was Tommy Rees vs. Andrew Hendrix.

Well, you can expect a quarterback controversy in 2012, but that's a good thing.

Not only do the Fighting Irish have four-star recruit Everett Golson, but Kiel could become one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. Kiel is the second-ranked quarterback and No. 20 overall recruit according to ESPNU.

The overall sentiment about the Fighting Irish before the 2011 season was that they could get to a BCS bowl...if only one of their quarterbacks emerged as a legitimate starter. Well, that didn't happen, and they were frankly in the same situation this offseason before they landed Kiel.

Notre Dame now has four quarterbacks to play with, and if one of them doesn't emerge this season that's simply bad luck. The recruiting has obviously been there under Brian Kelly, which was probably why he received a two-year extension this offseason despite the Fighting Irish going 8-5 and disappointing in the Champs Sports Bowl. By the way, Rees and Hendrix combined to go 19-of-35 for 187 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in that game.

In Kiel, Notre Dame has its best quarterback recruit, and it would be hard for me to imagine him not starting relatively soon for the Fighting Irish.

Kiel may be young, but he possesses the arm strength, accuracy and legs to make a difference right away at Notre Dame.

Enough of a difference to lead them to a BCS bowl next season.