You likely can find many Notre Dame fans across the country at their local Grotto these days — doing anything they can to ensure Dayne Crist’s health.
After watching the play from the quarterback position last week against Michigan when Crist was sidelined with poor vision in his right eye, forgive Fighting Irish Nation if they aren’t excited for the Tommy Rees or Nate Montana era to start anytime soon.
ICONNate Montana was thrust into action last week against Michigan.
So which backup would be the first to enter the game Saturday against Michigan State if Crist is sidelined again?
Head coach Brian Kelly wouldn’t budge when asked for an answer after practice Thursday following a week in which a package of plays was installed that would be more suited for the freshman Rees and junior Montana if they were pressed into action.
“We are still going to stay with the 'or,' Tom or Nate," Kelly said. "The circumstances of the game will dictate who I put in…It is really going to depend on the game or the flow of the game.
"One thing I like about Tom is he can throw the football down the field. He has been in the spread a lot more. I feel a little bit more comfortable with him spreading it out. Nate is a little more of a control passing game. It really depends on what kind of game it is.
"If we are up and we are trying to manage, maybe we bring in Nate because he brings a little bit more of a running threat at the quarterback position."
The Spartans pose a difficult challenge for the Irish, so the game is expected to be close throughout. Despite being pulled after throwing an interception against the Wolverines last week, the comfort Rees has in the spread likely gives him the upperhand if Crist should go down.
Crist is 32 of 51 for 482 yards with 3 TDs and 1 INT on the season.
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