That was a phrase that my grandfather would say quite frequently. It was an obvious attempt to not blaspheme.
Brian Kelly announced yesterday that Dayne Crist will be the starting quarterback in 2011:
It really comes as no surprise, but there was still some doubt. Personally, I had thought this would be way it would go down, but I am disappointed that I won’t be able to use my “Anticrist” headline or my bag full of Joe Germaine / Tommy Rees comparisons (oh, there’s a shitload of them).
There may come a time for all of that, but Dayne Crist is our starter. The reasons why have already been discussed when we prognosticated the winner all summer:
- Dayne is a senior. That alone will guarantee no one a starting job, nor should it. However, the fact that Crist is still there after all he has been through says a lot about his character, and in turn his competitiveness. Two massive knees injuries and your backup was playing when the team started to play better- that kind of stuff can put you in a shell.
- Crist brings more to the table. I’m not talking about “it,” I’m talking about ALL of it. His size, athleticism, and arm strength are all superior.
- Brian Kelly is not the same head coach. After seeing what his team could do with a bigger emphasis on the run game as well as having confidence in his defense, Kelly now understands how to win football games at ND. On top of that, he has a better understanding of Crist and how he needs to be coached. Brian Kelly is a good head coach. 
- Tommy Rees. Unfortunately for Tommy, he helped make Dayne the starter. Tommy’s solid play proved that ND could win with him. However, if Dayne is “cut loose” by Kelly in respect to the way the offense is run (mobile QB is key) then ND is a much better football team. The worry of injury is not there anymore as it was in 2010. The backup is more than capable in 2011.
- Competition. Rees can be at blame for this as well. Dayne responded well to the competition and is the better player. It could have also made him better as well. You run the fastest when the devil is chasing you.
So, here we are. Notre Dame is starting the 2011 season with the same quarterback as they did in 2010. However, the feel of it all is completely different.
Aww, Judas Priest!
