Notre Dame Football 2011: Why Dayne Crist Was the Best Choice at Quarterback

Starting quarterback battles are consistently the most intriguing story lines during the months leading up to the start of the regular season.

Before this summer, Notre Dame hadn't experienced a true battle for starting duties at quarterback since fall camp of the 2007 season, when Evan Sharpley, Demetrius Jones and Jimmy Clausen were battling for the right to be named the starter.

That all changed this season, with the Irish having four viable options at quarterback in true freshman Everett Golson, Andrew Hendrix, Tommy Rees and Dayne Crist.

Because Golson and Hendrix lack true playing experience, head coach Brian Kelly eliminated them from the starting race, leaving Crist and Rees as the final two options.

On Tuesday, Kelly announced that Dayne Crist would be the starter in 2011 and expects him "to be the starter for 13 weeks."

There were many, many strong opinions on this matter, but either way you look at it, Kelly made the right decision.

Crist is far and away the most experienced quarterback on the roster, and gives the team its best chance to win. His 4-5 record as the starter last season won't impress anyone, but fans must consider that he was in his first year as a starter in a new system. Those conditions would be difficult on any college quarterback.

With a season of experience under his belt, Crist will finally reach his potential that fans have been chomping at the bit to see.

According to Crist, he is much more comfortable in the offense and knows what to expect from the coaching staff. Also, his improved relationship with Brian Kelly will only help.

Along with those advantages, Dayne Crist will also have excellent protection from a veteran offensive line, as well as a consistent feature back in Cierre Wood.

Oh, and did I mention that he'll have Michael Floyd as a receiving threat?

Say what you will about Crist, but he's as talented a player as you'll find, and his leadership is invaluable.

This is the season that everything comes full circle for the former five-star prospect from Canoga Park, California.