Notre Dame Football: Quarterback Controversy Will Haunt Irish All Season

Turnovers and a quarterback controversy have come to define Notre Dame's season thus far. Unfortunately for the Fighting Irish, the latter is sure to be an issue throughout this season.

Dayne Crist proved early on that he wasn't the answer at quarterback, but Tommy Rees doesn't look like he's got what it takes to turn around Notre Dame's season either.

Rees has thrown more touchdowns than interceptions in only one of his three starts this season. He's come away with two wins thus far, but it still doesn't seem like Notre Dame is confident with the man under center.

Notre Dame has too much talent to be squandered at the hands of a quarterback who can't hack it. While most Notre Dame fans were quick to support Rees initially, his six picks and three fumbles are cause for concern.

He hasn't shown an ability to keep the ball out of the opposing defense's hands and the grumbles are only going to get louder as the season goes on.

Despite his struggles, Rees is still the best man for the job. Coming into this season, it appeared Notre Dame had two quarterbacks who could execute the offense. That still holds true, but the word execute takes on a different meaning now.

Notre Dame has a number of trap games lying in front of them and though they should win them handily, it's hard to come away with a "W" when turnovers become an issue. They've been able to do it and move to 2-2, but life would obviously be easier for them if they could manage to protect the football.

That all starts with fixing the liability under center. As Rees struggles, Crist sees his stock rise once again. If Rees isn't able to correct his mistakes and it ends up costing the team, Crist is going to start gaining supporters.