Tommy Rees named starter for Champs Sports Bowl

[Ignats]

If I'm seeing Hendrix off the bench, then I expect him to be running the regular offense, NOT his special package that Kelly kept talking about all year. Somehow I feel like that Kelly is just going to use him that way though, but maybe that's me just being a pessimist.

 

[IrishinSyria]

I actually don't mind it if Rees plays. My biggest criticism of Kelly benching Crist wasn't that Crist performed better than Rees, just that I thought it was pretty ****** to end the career of a kid who you named your starter just because of one mediocre half of football (those people who think he ever had a chance to win his job back are fooling themselves.)

I feel those same standards apply here. If Kelly felt at one point that Rees had earned the starting job, I don't think one half of football should undo that. It's just not fair to the player.

That being said, I'm all for a wide open QB competition this spring, as I don't think Rees is a long term answer. The stakes are huge at ND, I'd rather gamble with raw talent (Crist, Hendrix, Golson) than play it safe with a known quantity.

 

[TerryTate]

While I agree with most of that, the decision was not based on one half of football

 

[Carlyle Javar Holiday]

i agree with some of the posters above, start hendrix, if he struggles put in rees to try and manage the game. in reality though i think we will see hendrix in as much if not more than he was in stanford (before tommu was benched altogether)

 

[SLCIRISH]

Ridiculous. You are not playing for a National Championship, play the kid who is the future, not the plug.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Based on ESPN's breakdown: FSU is No. 9 in the country in sacks, No. 5 in tackles for loss, No. 6 in total defense, No. 4 in scoring defense, and No. 2 in rushing defense...

So let's start the kid who couldn't do squat against a highly talented Stanford defense just week ago. I agree that this might be Kelly's way of not over-burdening Hendrix, but he's going to have to learn sometime.

Unless our OL steps up in a huge way, Tommy will play no more than half of the first quarter in this game. LUCKily for ND, FSU won't be trotting the #1 draft pick onto the field to lead their offense so I don't foresee ND "spotting" them 21 points right off the bat.

 

[SLCIRISH]

Based on ESPN's breakdown: FSU is No. 9 in the country in sacks, No. 5 in tackles for loss, No. 6 in total defense, No. 4 in scoring defense, and No. 2 in rushing defense...

So let's start the kid who couldn't do squat against a highly talented Stanford defense just week ago. I agree that this might be Kelly's way of not over-burdening Hendrix, but he's going to have to learn sometime.

Unless our OL steps up in a huge way, Tommy will play no more than half of the first quarter in this game. LUCKily for ND, FSU won't be trotting the #1 draft pick onto the field to lead their offense so I don't foresee ND "spotting" them 21 points right off the bat.

Hendrix outplayed Rees against Stanford.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Evidently, the italic "sarcasm" font isn't catching on...

I'm completely against starting Tommy for this game. I'm not basing my opinion on one half of football either. I just feel Andrew brings another dimension to the offense and that teams have figured out how to defend the Tommy offense. Our OL did a horrible job at protecting Rees against Stanford and FSU brings an even more athletic defense. Tommy can't handle a pass rush, he can't scramble, and he makes terrible decisions when under pressure. FSU will no doubt bring pressure. Their defense is very athletic. Hendrix's ability to run will help keep them honest, similar to the second half of Stanford.

It's simple: Our defense will be able to keep FSU's offense in check. They rely on winning games with their defense. They do so by getting a ferocious pass rush and forcing turnovers. Tommy turns the ball over more than anyone I've seen play when under pressure (and sometimes when he's not under pressure). Granted Hendrix threw in INT as well, but his ability to escape and run will be beneficial. Start Hendrix. Keep the play calling simple. Let our playmakers make plays. And let our defense do their thing.

 

[kmoose]

Evidently, the italic "sarcasm" font isn't catching on...

I'm completely against starting Tommy for this game. I'm not basing my opinion on one half of football either. I just feel Andrew brings another dimension to the offense and that teams have figured out how to defend the Tommy offense. Our OL did a horrible job at protecting Rees against Stanford and FSU brings an even more athletic defense. Tommy can't handle a pass rush, he can't scramble, and he makes terrible decisions when under pressure. FSU will no doubt bring pressure. Their defense is very athletic. Hendrix's ability to run will help keep them honest, similar to the second half of Stanford.

It's simple: Our defense will be able to keep FSU's offense in check. They rely on winning games with their defense. They do so by getting a ferocious pass rush and forcing turnovers. Tommy turns the ball over more than anyone I've seen play when under pressure (and sometimes when he's not under pressure). Granted Hendrix threw in INT as well, but his ability to escape and run will be beneficial. Start Hendrix. Keep the play calling simple. Let our playmakers make plays. And let our defense do their thing.

Yes, you are. Unless ND played some game that none of the rest of us are aware of, and Hendrix played in that game?

 

[dmort]

Kelly's determination to play Rees no matter the result,will get him fired.Which surprises me as Kelly in past jobs was a result oriented guy.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Yes, you are. Unless ND played some game that none of the rest of us are aware of, and Hendrix played in that game?

I meant that my opinion to move on w/o Tommy isn't based on one half. Tommy can't handle good defenses or defense that bring pressure or different looks. He proved it against Pitt, BC, USC, Stanford, and will do so again against FSU.

 

[Ironman8]

smart move is to start Rees.....if you kill his confidence and Hendrix struggles....then what? I think this is absolutely the right call and maintains the confidence of both players

Best take on the situation I've seen.

 

[kmoose]

I meant that my opinion to move on w/o Tommy isn't based on one half. Tommy can't handle good defenses or defense that bring pressure or different looks. He proved it against Pitt, BC, USC, Stanford, and will do so again against FSU.

Your opinion to move on w/o Tommy is pointless, if the guy(s) behind him on the depth chart can't get the job done, either. That's based on how well the other guys perform during the week. It's the difference between being a coach, and being an armchair coach.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Best take on the situation I've seen.

I can get on board with that. But at one point do you call it quits during the game on a guy? For example, if Rees and the offense go punt, punt, INT, punt and give up a few sacks and hurries in the process...when do you pull the plug? When any aspect of the team isn't working, it's up to the coaching staff to make the adjustments to give their team the best chance to win.

 

[cLaRk_JoNeS]

This sums up how i feel, virgin ears need not click.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back Fucking Fuck Version - YouTube

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

I honestly can't believe Rees is starting this game.. I think Kelly is trying to lose his job..

 

[tko]

Best take on the situation I've seen.

and what happens if Rees somehow has the game of his life then Hendrix is shot b/c he will rot on the bench, and neither Golson nor Hendrix will get a fair shot in the spring. i suspect golson will pack his bags if that's the case and i cannot blame him. i guess i am wanting the perfect scenario with Rees struggling and Hendrix coming in to save the day somehow. kelly is making me sick today.

 

[irishpat183]

Uggg.....Oh well...8-4 so I guess it doesn't matter.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Your opinion to move on w/o Tommy is pointless, if the guy(s) behind him on the depth chart can't get the job done, either. That's based on how well the other guys perform during the week. It's the difference between being a coach, and being an armchair coach.

What guys can't get the job done? Who's been given the chance to do so in a game? I realize that I don't see what goes on in practices and it's conceivable that Tommy gets it done on a weekly basis. But when you look at the season as a whole, the thing that stands out to me is his inability to perform against defenses that bring pressure.

Hendrix was given a chance in the second half of Stanford and performed admirably. I'm not saying he's the savior of ND football. But I feel his skill set is better suited to play against teams that bring a pass rush, that bring pressure, that force turnovers. Stanford just let loose on Tommy and the result was turnovers, punts, sacks...aka zero offensive production. When Hendrix came in and broke off a couple scrambles and ran the option, it forced Stanford play a little more conservative. The result was two second half touchdowns.

Don't get me wrong, I completely understand that I don't see what goes on during practices, etc and it's easy for someone like me to be an "armchair coach." But it's asinine to view a body of work, see the flaws, and not make a change to attempt at achieving a better result. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Start Tommy, fine. But if FSU tears him up. What do you do?

 

[Kingbish01]

SMH

 

[BestBIrish47]

This sums up how i feel, virgin ears need not click.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back ****ing **** Version - YouTube

THIS...

Very funny as well..

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Uggg.....Oh well...8-4 so I guess it doesn't matter.

8-5 if Rees plays significant time on December 29th.

 

[cLaRk_JoNeS]

that BK prostate banner gets me everytime.

 

[nd1989]

I'm starting to think that Andrew just isn't ready to start. There's a lot more pressure on the starter and Andrew just might not be there yet.

We knew he needed development, but maybe there's more to it than we think.

 

[Kingbish01]

I'm starting to think that Andrew just isn't ready to start. There's a lot more pressure on the starter and Andrew just might not be there yet.

We knew he needed development, but maybe there's more to it than we think.

That may be true, but I thought he came into the Stanford game guns blazing. I like that he plays like a competitor. The lack of emotion from Rees just drives me nuts. I want a QB that gets emotional and fires up everyone around him. In Hendrix short time, he made me feel like he was ready to go toe to toe and not scared.

 

[irishpat183]

Andrew and his ablity to escape the rush is going to fair much better against FSU's defense.

Especially with the way our Oline has played lately.....

I don't get it.

 

[NDinL.A.]

and what happens if Rees somehow has the game of his life then Hendrix is shot b/c he will rot on the bench, and neither Golson nor Hendrix will get a fair shot in the spring. i suspect golson will pack his bags if that's the case and i cannot blame him. i guess i am wanting the perfect scenario with Rees struggling and Hendrix coming in to save the day somehow. kelly is making me sick today.

Kelly already said that Golson will get snaps during these practices, which obviously means that he'll get his chance to compete for the job in the spring. You also have Hendrix getting a ton of snaps during these practices. You have Hendrix who will play a lot in this game. Who isn't getting a fair shake???

For the life of me I can't figure out why Irish fans are jumping off the ledge here. BK basically came out and said that Golson will gethis shot in the spring. He said that Hendrix will get a bunch of reps for the bowl game prep and he'll have his package (he's obviously not ready for the entire offense yet - that's on him); so Hendrix will have his shot this spring as well. And at that point, it's on those 2 youngsters.

Kelly isn't stupid - he's the one who recruited Golson and re-recruited Hendrix. He's recruiting Kiel as well. He knows he needs a mobile QB! Hendrix is going to play vs. FSU - soooooo much easier to come off the bench against this ridiculously fast defense than it is to start. And he'll play a ton, no doubt. Kelly is no fool, regardless of what some people of think.

 

[tko]

Andrew and his ablity to escape the rush is going to fair much better against FSU's defense.

Especially with the way our Oline has played lately.....

I don't get it.

i heard ND is going to bring back Weis for this game. his extensive use of draws and screens will come in handy against the aggressive pass rush.

 

[NDinL.A.]

That may be true, but I thought he came into the Stanford game guns blazing. I like that he plays like a competitor. The lack of emotion from Rees just drives me nuts. I want a QB that gets emotional and fires up everyone around him. In Hendrix short time, he made me feel like he was ready to go toe to toe and not scared.

You realize we all said the same thing about Rees when he came in for Crist right? And I love how everyone forgets that Hendrix threw nearly 3 picks last game. He and Rees both are young and will turn the ball over...not just Rees. And Hendrix will have the luxury of coming off the bench again - he'll play a plenty.

 

[kmoose]

What guys can't get the job done? Who's been given the chance to do so in a game? I realize that I don't see what goes on in practices and it's conceivable that Tommy gets it done on a weekly basis. But when you look at the season as a whole, the thing that stands out to me is his inability to perform against defenses that bring pressure.

Hendrix was given a chance in the second half of Stanford and performed admirably. I'm not saying he's the savior of ND football. But I feel his skill set is better suited to play against teams that bring a pass rush, that bring pressure, that force turnovers. Stanford just let loose on Tommy and the result was turnovers, punts, sacks...aka zero offensive production. When Hendrix came in and broke off a couple scrambles and ran the option, it forced Stanford play a little more conservative. The result was two second half touchdowns.

Don't get me wrong, I completely understand that I don't see what goes on during practices, etc and it's easy for someone like me to be an "armchair coach." But it's asinine to view a body of work, see the flaws, and not make a change to attempt at achieving a better result. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Start Tommy, fine. But if FSU tears him up. What do you do?

1. You have to earn your chance to show your stuff in a game. Maybe Hendrix and Golson just haven't done what they need to do?

2. Here's an idea........instead of canning your QB, for the "next best thing", how about if the O-Line PROTECTS him? Why does the QB have to take all of the heat for the loss, if the offensive line is playing like a sieve?

3. I completely agree that Hendrix's runs slowed down Stanford's pass rush. But we're not playing Stanford, we're playing FSU. Maybe the coaches think that the O-Line can handle FSU's rush, or maybe FSU doesn't have the personnel to constantly pressure the QB? The coaches sure as hell know that answer better than any of us here on this board.

4. If Tommy gets torn up, then you bring in Hendrix. What's the problem with that? As long as you give Hendrix enough reps with the first team, in practice, then that fits perfectly with Kelly's "Next Man In" philosophy.