Notre Dame Football: 3 keys to victory vs. Iowa State in Camping World Bowl

3. Tom Rees must keep the offense humming

The above statement could very well have been made years ago, albeit with two exceptions. First, the following paragraphs would have likely been addressing Rees’s performance on the field rather than the sideline. Second, Rees would have been preceded by a much more familiar name, Tommy.

History aside, Rees will now be tasked with operating as Notre Dame’s offensive play-caller in the wake of former offensive coordinator Chip Long’s departure from the team. Rees looks like a top option to replace Long in the long run, but his audition for the position begins this Saturday in Orlando.

Rees will be calling plays with the aid of the more experienced Lance Taylor (running backs coach), but it appears that the former will have the final say when all is said and done. While throwing Rees to the flames in his first day as a coordinator presents potential hurdles, there are a few reasons to really like this decision as well.

First, Rees knows exactly how quarterback Ian Book approaches the game and what he’s most comfortable with having coached alongside him the entire season. Second, Rees has been well-acquainted with this offense despite his relative inexperience in general. How Rees calls this game will be crucial not only in regard to the team’s immediate success, but his potential future as an offensive coordinator as well.