Tommy Rees named starter for Champs Sports Bowl

[Patulski]

Kelly has a job he needs to keep secure, there's no reason for stupid conspiracy theories like "he's holding Hendrix back from being great because he wants Golson to have the job next year". If he knows Hendrix can be great right now, he's not going to hold him back.

Occam's Razor is lost on ND football boards. There's always some kind of unnecessary assumption or convoluted theory to explain things.

 

[Old Man Mike]

they'll never get it until we're at least three years done.

 

[greyhammer90]

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

Sorry but no dice. If a head coach is honestly making plans based on what might happen psychologically to his players if he starts the better qb then this team is beyond hope. I just want you to realize what you're saying... you're saying that the head coach at the university of notre dame is going to start the second best qb on the roster in order to maintain the confidence of both, just in case the qb that he thinks gives us the best shot to win doesn't perform well on that day... and in doing so he is willing to potentially stagnate our offense for the first quarter in order to execute this masterfully laid plan.

I could just as easily say that Tommy Rees would come out pissed off and eager to play if he was benched for the first half. I could make up a lot of possible scenarios. But what is really happening is this: BK is saying that he thinks Rees is the best qb on the roster, and that freaks me out... not because I think I know more about this team than BK does, but because if Rees is the best we have we are SOL. As for the conspiracy theories about maintaining confidence, and sending a message to the fanbase... there is a old saying that applies:

 

[Patulski]

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

If I interpret this quote right, “Andrew will get an opportunity to play as well,” then Hendrix is going to play no matter what.

 

[rocket66]

What scares me the most is that Tommy might actually do just enough to hang in there to where BK doesn't want to pull him. It's fairly obvious at this point that Rees will always be a solid qb who ultimately struggles against good defenses. I'm in the camp to let Hendrix just "run" with the job and start planning around him. We all know that he's the best fit for the offense BK runs.

 

[irishpat183]

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.

1. Hendrix showed that he is more than capable of leading our offense. He's dynamic and gives us a guy that can extend plays and has better arm strength than Tommy.

2. You can't just waive a magic wand and get your Oline to play better. They're obviously not that good. Especially against teams that are more talented. FSU will be one of those teams. Are you saying we should just leave Tommy in because it's the Oline's fault?

3. FSU is a very, very athletic defense. One of the best in the country, 4th in the nation to be exact. They have a great defensive line that is going to give us fits and they don't give up rushing yards...2nd best rush D in college football. I guarantee there will be pressure on us throughout the day as we will be forced to throw all day.

4. Problem with waiting to bring "the next man in" is that you could be behind when you do it. And I don't want to play from behind against FSU.

 

[irishpat183]

What scares me the most is that Tommy might actually do just enough to hang in there to where BK doesn't want to pull him. It's fairly obvious at this point that Rees will always be a solid qb who ultimately struggles against good defenses. I'm in the camp to let Hendrix just "run" with the job and start planning around him. We all know that he's the best fit for the offense BK runs.

Don't worry....FSU's 4th ranked D will take care of Tommy. You're not gonna be able to just be a game manager against them. Tommy's gonna have to make the throws, as FSU is 2nd in the nation against the run.

 

[Patulski]

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.

This post is proof that no matter what Kelly does, somebody is going to find fault with him. We saw Hendrix's play against Stanford. He added another dimension to the offense, effectiely running the spread option and QB draws, along with throwing passes similar to what Rees has thrown all year long. Now, you want Kelly to have him to run "the regular offense", where we don't run the spread option running attack, or call QB draws?

 

[jimmymac]

Thought I'd share this with the board. So I just went to the bathroom on the third floor of debart and who's washing his hands? Mr. Thomas Rees himself who i had met a couple times before and he remembered me i think. So I wished him luck and said congrats on the bowl start and he said "doesn't mean anything, but thanks." He wasn't spiteful just kinda laughed it off so I asked him what he meant and he said that coach wants FSU to be least prepared for FSU as possible and that meant starting him.

 

[tko]

when the defense has ZERO fear of the QB running, they can easily outnumber the OLine and make them look inept and silly.

 

[Patulski]

Don't worry....FSU's 4th ranked D will take care of Tommy. You're not gonna be able to just be a game manager against them. Tommy's gonna have to make the throws, as FSU is 2nd in the nation against the run.

In other words we won't be able to run the football, and the QB will be running for his life when he's not getting the snot knocked out of him.

If that happens, I predict neither Rees or Hendrix will look great.

 

[kmoose]

1. Hendrix showed that he is more than capable of leading our offense. He's dynamic and gives us a guy that can extend plays and has better arm strength than Tommy.

For one half. Remember the half that Rees had, coming off of the bench against South Florida? We haven't seen enough of Hendrix to know whether or not he is a legitimate starter. But the coaches know what he needs to do, and they haven't started him yet. Doesn't that mean anything?

2. You can't just waive a magic wand and get your Oline to play better. They're obviously not that good. Especially against teams that are more talented. FSU will be one of those teams. Are you saying we should just leave Tommy in because it's the Oline's fault?

I'm saying that you can't place all of the blame on Rees. But that's exactly what people are trying to do. No one is complaining about the offensive line play, but there are plenty of people complaining about the QB play. Why isn't anyone calling for the backups on the O line to get some time?

3. FSU is a very, very athletic defense. One of the best in the country, 4th in the nation to be exact. They have a great defensive line that is going to give us fits and they don't give up rushing yards...2nd best rush D in college football. I guarantee there will be pressure on us throughout the day as we will be forced to throw all day.

But maybe the O line matches up better against FSU. I have no idea if it does or doesn't, but the coaches probably do. Going with Rees may just be symbolic of the coaches' faith in the line's ability to protect the QB.

4. Problem with waiting to bring "the next man in" is that you could be behind when you do it. And I don't want to play from behind against FSU.

I don't want to play from behind, either. But I have to trust that the coaches know what they are doing. I'd be willing to bet that, if it comes to that, Kelly will not wait until the game is out of hand to make the switch.

 

[Patulski]

when the defense has ZERO fear of the QB running, they can easily outnumber the OLine and make them look inept and silly.

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady would disagree.

And please, don't bring up Rees and Hendrix. I am merely commenting that your statement is not objectively true.

 

[greyhammer90]

Thought I'd share this with the board. So I just went to the bathroom on the third floor of debart and who's washing his hands? Mr. Thomas Rees himself who i had met a couple times before and he remembered me i think. So I wished him luck and said congrats on the bowl start and he said "doesn't mean anything, but thanks." He wasn't spiteful just kinda laughed it off so I asked him what he meant and he said that coach wants FSU to be least prepared for FSU as possible and that meant starting him.

 

[irishpat183]

In other words we won't be able to run the football, and the QB will be running for his life when he's not getting the snot knocked out of him.

If that happens, I predict neither Rees or Hendrix will look great.

Hendrix has the ability to escape the rush and extend the play. I think we have a better shot with him.

 

[fitz_bu47]

I always defer to Coach Kelly and his staff, but this one has me puzzled. Tommy has won a lot of games, and he is pretty solid at times. That said, his performance in the Stanford game was horrendous. He is a turnover machine, and as the less talented/game manager type of qb, he CAN'T be a turnover machine! I really thought Hendrix would get the reps in bowl practices, and the start. I just hope Coach is right once again.

 

[Patulski]

Hendrix has the ability to escape the rush and extend the play. I think we have a better shot with him.

We'll get more data from his play against FSU. Should be interesting.

 

[Patulski]

I always defer to Coach Kelly and his staff, but this one has me puzzled. Tommy has won a lot of games, and he is pretty solid at times. That said, his performance in the Stanford game was horrendous. He is a turnover machine, and as the less talented/game manager type of qb, he CAN'T be a turnover machine! I really thought Hendrix would get the reps in bowl practices, and the start. I just hope Coach is right once again.

From my understanding, unlike Weis Kelly reps his two QB's pretty evenly. He also stated last night that Hendrix will play. So, we'll get to see how both respond again against a very good defense. Seems pretty logical to me. They're both sophomores who are still developing. Let them compete.

 

[mgriff]

Just to elaborate on the OLine as the cause for Rees to be terrible or whatever, comments; we lost our starting center who was responsible for the assignments of the rest of the OLine. Picking up blitzes and handing out correct assignments was a huge part of our offense and when Cave went out, and now TRob took over those duties, not Golic. That can be attributed to the poor OLine play we've seen, which coincides with Cave's injury. Tommy has played sub-par, but the OLine play has sunk as well, and all of the blame cannot be laid on Tommy. I personally don't think he's the future either, but he's won for us, so I have no problem starting him and using Hendrix as a change of pace. We all know this is the last game Rees is going to be guaranteed to start. As soon as this season is over, the QB race is on. Golston and Hendrix have to show mastery of the passing tree if they are going to unseat Tommy. He's not as good as people think, and he's not as bad--the truth lies somewhere in the middle. I think a guy named Lou likes to say that--he did something or another worthwhile for the University.

 

[Kingbish01]

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.

I remember it different. People liked that fact that he didn't look like a deer in headlights. Dayne just got so rattled at times, Tommy didn't. Dayne always played like he was in a pressure cooker, and he was. I'm sure Dayne coming out of high school and going to ND had NFL dreams. Tommy Rees can't possibly think he would ever end up in the NFL. Tommy seems to play it like a game, win or lose at the end of the day his path in life probably won't change. I would love for our next QB to be full of fight and passion like Tebow on the sideline. I agree with ya, we will see a bunch of Hendrix in this game as we should. I love the direction the program is going and wanna see a good game and would love a W. Kelly knows more than all of us, I have faith in the man.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Thought I'd share this with the board. So I just went to the bathroom on the third floor of debart and who's washing his hands? Mr. Thomas Rees himself who i had met a couple times before and he remembered me i think. So I wished him luck and said congrats on the bowl start and he said "doesn't mean anything, but thanks." He wasn't spiteful just kinda laughed it off so I asked him what he meant and he said that coach wants FSU to be least prepared for FSU as possible and that meant starting him.

This post makes me sad.

It's no secret that I was never a fan of having Tommy take Crist's job this year... That being said, the kid did leave it all out on his field and did his absolute best for Notre Dame. It would be tough to be playing very good football, winning a lot of games, and yet know that the second something doesn't go right you're going to get buried by people who are rooting for you to fail. Tommy deserves a better end to his career than it looks like he's going to get. To be honest, even having you congratulate him on being named starter for the bowl game must sting- he's been the starter all year.

That being said, he must have known what he was getting into when he committed to the University of Notre Dame. Onwards and upwards.

 

[NDinL.A.]

If you're insinuating that jimmymac's post is a fraud, open your eyes and pay closer attention to the board. He's a legit poster who goes to school at ND. I'm always one to be skeptical, but I believe jimmy's post 1000%.

 

[Irish52]

FSU defensive line will have Rees for suppper if he remains stationary. I think a mobile Hendrix was the obvious choice for this game. But Kelly has forgiven Rees on numerous occasions of non-performance...only wish he had done the same for Crist.

 

[BeauBenken]

It does make sense for Kelly not to put all his eggs in one basket yet. We've seen Hendrix play one good half of football. How do we know he's going to continue to play at the level he did? Perhaps he will be better, perhaps he will be worse, but if Kelly threw everything on him and he tanked, where would we be?

Thought I'd share this with the board. So I just went to the bathroom on the third floor of debart and who's washing his hands? Mr. Thomas Rees himself who i had met a couple times before and he remembered me i think. So I wished him luck and said congrats on the bowl start and he said "doesn't mean anything, but thanks." He wasn't spiteful just kinda laughed it off so I asked him what he meant and he said that coach wants FSU to be least prepared for FSU as possible and that meant starting him.

I don't know you to well jimmymac, but I'll believe you. I hope Tommy doesn't feel like crap because of this, or if he does, he isn't putting the blame on coach Kelly. He's smart enough though. I'm sure he knows he just has to be better.

 

[BobD]

If you're insinuating that jimmymac's post is a fraud, open your eyes and pay closer attention to the board. He's a legit poster who goes to school at ND. I'm always one to be skeptical, but I believe jimmy's post 1000%.

My thoughts were a little skeptical of the post, but I'll take jimmymac's word on it. My number one thought was how sad that Tommy would say that to someone. It's one thing for us to speculate about the coaches strategy, but I don't think he should be telling it in a public bathroom, no matter how minor. Just my opinion.

 

[greyhammer90]

Sorry, I just disagree. I'm well aware he goes to ND, but the conversation was a little awkward for my tastes unless he has a more cordial relationship with Rees than he is admitting. I just find it hard to believe that a player is going to see a guy he's talked to a handful of times and tell him exactly what BK's motivations are for roster movements. I'm a fan of his posts in general but that one seemed to stretch into the "tall tale" area. It may be 100 percent true though so if it makes you feel more comfortable then delete my comment, I'm not particularly attached to my posts.

 

[jimmymac]

I appreciate your support ND in LA. I don't feel I have to prove myself, but if I must, I'll offer whatever proof I can give. His class is across te hall from me on the third floor of debart every mwf at 1030. Not sure how you could check that but feel free. Obviously the conversation wasn't as awkward as it seems in writing, but feel free not to believe me. It wasnt like he revealed BKs secrets... He just said that FSU would have an easier time preparing for FSU. I'm sorry that sometimes my posts seem to lack some form of proof, but I do the best I can to give my experience here as best I can.

 

[jimmymac]

As well, I interpretted it to mean that BK hasn't really decided who will play but that it's better for the Irish if FSU thinks Tommy will start.

 

[greyhammer90]

I appreciate your support ND in LA. I don't feel I have to prove myself, but if I must, I'll offer whatever proof I can give. His class is across te hall from me on the third floor of debart every mwf at 1030. Not sure how you could check that but feel free. Obviously the conversation wasn't as awkward as it seems in writing, but feel free not to believe me. It wasnt like he revealed BKs secrets... He just said that FSU would have an easier time preparing for FSU. I'm sorry that sometimes my posts seem to lack some form of proof, but I do the best I can to give my experience here as best I can.

and I appreciate that. Don't take it personally if sometimes I question validity, its just that this is the internet, and 98% of everything is bull****.

 

[OlympiaIrishFan]

I totally agree, is Tommy really going to say that to a stranger? And if that got back to BK wouldn't he go balistic? I would.

Now saying that, I have issues with blaming the OLine for Tommy's Horrific play against STanford. Tommy, and we all can say he is a great kid and doesn't make excuses, but he was a turnover machine against teams with a solid defense. If they have a weak defense he will flourish. But, if you hover around beeing a good defense Tommy will turn it over like crazy.

2 To's against Michigan State
2 Turnovers against Stanford (in 1 half)
1 Turnover agains SC
3 Turnovers against Michigan
1 Turnover against BC

Absolutely unacceptable.

And if you have a rush he can get away from it. Sorry, Tommy isn't our best chance to win agains good teams. At least in my opinion. And yes, people who say there should be more ints thrown by Andrew against Stanford are correct. But, Tommy consistant wrong hip or shoulder throws are making me sick. And at my last count, I had 7 dropped picks that the defenders had both hands on throws by Tommy this season. 7! And one was in the first half against Stanford and that would have been 3 turnovers in 1 half.

Really like Tommy Rees a lot on how he handled himself while at ND. But, I am done with seeing him as our starter. I personally only want Everett or Andrew getting reps. And Gunner would be AWESOME. But, Tommy is what Tommy is--a flipping Turnover Machine that beats the easier Teams. And only has beaten 1 Really good team. MSU. He did beat SC last year with Mitch Mustain, but had 2 picks I believe. And Harrison Smith single handedly beat Miami in the Bowl game last year. Against a team in disarray with a fired coach. And they couldn't handle Floyd. But, when Floyd went out hurt Tommy could do much of anything.

Sorry, if we want to be a good team Tommy can't be our QB. He can't beat good teams! He simply can't. The book is out on him, drop people in coverage --because he can't run to save his life. And next year without Floyd I don't want Tommy anywhere near the field! Got to have a guy who can run! And right now Andrew threw against a great team in Stanford, and he ran. That is what I want.

Go Irish!