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Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from ugly win over Toledo

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 11, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) runs on to the field as quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) leaves the field in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) runs on to the field as quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) leaves the field in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 11: Jack Coan #17 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish throws the ball during the first half against the Toledo Rockets at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 11: Jack Coan #17 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish throws the ball during the first half against the Toledo Rockets at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. The quarterback situation is confusing

Jack Coan looked like a world-beater a week ago against Florida State and then the Toledo game kicked off and he looked more like the Wisconsin version of himself.

I was worried about Notre Dame’s offense when Coan was named the starter because I’ve followed him closely over the past couple of seasons at Wisconsin and he just didn’t seem like the kind of player who could adequately replace Ian Book and lead the Irish to the playoff. After one game, I changed my tune because he looked fantastic against the Seminoles.

On Saturday, he looked pedestrian as the offense stalled out far too much against Toledo and he finished with 239 yards and two touchdowns with a pick on 21-of-33 completions.

In the second half, up by one, Brian Kelly decided to go with freshman Tyler Buchner for a drive and it didn’t take him long to get acquainted with the end zone. He hit Chris Tyree on a short pass and he took it all the way to the end zone to give the Irish a 24-16 lead. He was 3-for-3 for 78 yards and a touchdown as he looked solid. He also rushed for 68 yards on seven carries.

Coan came back in and led the Irish on a game-winning touchdown drive.

So what’s going on at quarterback at Notre Dame? Who knows, but maybe the competition has opened back up after this one.

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