Notre Dame Football: How Far Has Dayne Crist Fallen?

Once upon a time, Dayne Crist was to be the savior of Notre Dame football. Once upon a time, he was the starting quarterback. Neither is the case anymore.

In three games this year, Crist has played in only one, completing 7-of-15 passes (46.7 percent) for 95 yards and an interception. Those aren't very savior-like numbers. And he hasn't played since the first game of the year against South Florida.

Last season, Crist played nine games, completed just under 60 percent of his passes, tossed 2,033 yards, and lofted 15 touchdowns to seven interceptions.

My, how the mighty have fallen.

With the emergence of Tommy Rees, Crist has become something of an afterthought. He's a quality back-up to the new front man, and that's about it.

Rees was completing just under 70 percent of his passes coming into today's game against Pitt.  He had thrown for 772 yards and six touchdowns. He'd also thrown five picks.

Is Rees really that much better than Crist? The coaching staff thinks so.

Rees has energized the offense and provided a much-needed spark. He's been solidly efficient, completing another 58.5 percent of his passes against Pitt, for 216 more yards, a touchdown and an interception.

He's been exciting, as he led a late-game charge against Michigan a couple of weeks ago, and picked apart Michigan State last week.

He's also been a little dangerous, putting up six interceptions to just the seven touchdowns.

So, what does this say about Crist? What does it say that a quarterback who has thrown nearly as many interceptions as he has touchdowns, is still getting all of the snaps and leading this Fighting Irish team?

There may yet be an opportunity for Crist to become the savior of Notre Dame. The season is young, and too many turnovers may convince the staff to give him another shot.

Don't count on it though. Dayne Crist has apparently taken a long fall from grace.