Going into the 2011 season, Notre Dame's battle for the starting quarterback job appeared to be neck and neck between Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees. Head coach Brian Kelly ultimately chose Crist to be the starter, and that decision clearly backfired.
Against South Florida last week, Crist completed 7-of-15 passes for 95 yards. He threw one interception and was benched in favor of Rees, who came in and went 24-of-35 for 296 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Citing the need to start the player who gives Notre Dame the best chance to win, Kelly has decided to go with Rees as the starting quarterback against Michigan on Saturday. Crist may have won the starting job for the season opener, but his tenure as the starting QB in 2011 has already come to an end.
A year ago against Michigan, Rees went 0-for-2 and threw an interception. He was forced into action because Crist left the game with an injury before ultimately returning. Nate Montana, who is no longer on the team, also played for Notre Dame at quarterback during that game.