Notre Dame Football: Tommy Rees, Is He the Quarterback of the Future?

After what was arguably Notre Dame's best performance on the field since the 2005 season, the Fighting Irish are beginning to show the potential many expected of them this season. 

The Irish dominated their opponent in most phases of the game in their 38-10 thrashing of the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday.  Overall, the offense and defense sparkled.  With the exception of special teams play, the Irish looked like a team that realistically could win out their remaining schedule. 

The Notre Dame defense held one of the top running attacks in the country to well under their season average.  The defensive line continued to dominate even with the absence of Stephon Tuitt. 

Linebacker play was strong with Manti Te'o leading the way and the secondary did not give up any big plays on the night. In fact, they turned in one big play on Purdue's first play from scrimmage.

Notre Dame's offensive line had an outstanding game.  The running game was the best we have seen at Notre Dame in some time.  Both Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray were outstanding on the night, running through the huge holes the line provided.

Tommy Rees managed Saturday's game very well and may have turned in his best overall performance as a starter.

However, despite all of these positives, many of the Notre Dame faithful find themselves longing for something better and many believe that a change in quarterback would satisfy that longing.

With both Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson in the stable, many believe that either is a better fit for Coach Kelly's offense.  Both are run and pass threats, and both may be more athletic than Tommy Rees.  In light of this the question must be asked, "Is Tommy Rees the quarterback of the future for Notre Dame?"

It is this author's opinion, after looking at his total body of work, that Tommy Rees should remain the quarterback of the Fighting Irish for the foreseeable future. 

While many will point to the nine turnovers he is responsible for as a reason for a change, one cannot deny the fact that he is 7-1 as a starter. He should be 8-0 as a starter after leading the Irish on a drive at the end of the Michigan game that should have put them in the lead for good. On that drive, Rees demonstrated a level of poise and confidence that conjured up, for some, images of Joe Montana. 

However, the Irish defense failed to provide a stop and the Wolverines went on to cap a game winning drive with seconds left in the game.  Despite a disappointing performance for most of the game, Rees repeated this feat in the Pittsburgh game to secure a win over an underrated Panther squad.

Rees' performances have not been consistent or flashy, but when the game is on the line he has not failed to deliver. 

Coach Kelly summed it up perfectly when he stated that Rees is a "work in progress" and with a young quarterback one needs to be patient.  I would contend that if the Irish faithful can be patient Rees will continue to perform at a winning level. 

The Purdue game does represent the only game this season where the Irish and Rees have not shot themselves in the foot repeatedly with turnovers and penalties, but it also serves as a reminder that this team is capable of playing great football. 

Hopefully the Irish are starting to turn a corner.  With the continued maturation of Tommy Rees at the quarterback position and if recent trends persist, the Irish should continue to win games and begin to restore the legacy of this once storied program.