Notre Dame Football: 3 reasons Irish will make a playoff run in 2022

Nov 27, 2021; Stanford, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) celebrates with tight end Michael Mayer (87) and wide receiver Braden Lenzy (0) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Stanford, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) celebrates with tight end Michael Mayer (87) and wide receiver Braden Lenzy (0) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) runs the ball as Navy Midshipmen linebacker Diego Fagot (54) pursues in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) runs the ball as Navy Midshipmen linebacker Diego Fagot (54) pursues in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tyler Buchner’s ceiling is incredibly high

Although the 2021 season wasn’t the most memorable for Tyler Buchner, he was caught in the middle of splitting playing time with two other quarterbacks. Not too often will a freshman who gets the occasional snap break out or look like the future, so that’s not too worrisome.

Buchner completed 21-of-35 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns with three picks. He completed 60 percent of his passes and had three picks so he can clearly be accurate, but he needs to work on that decision-making. And with another year in the system under Tommy Rees, he’s only going to be more effective.

On top of being able to sling the ball (which he showed last spring), he’s also a plus runner, finishing second on the team last year with 358 yards and three touchdowns on 7.3 yards per touch.

The ceiling for Buchner is higher than Jack Coan’s was and he’s only going to raise the offense to another level. People should be excited for this kid to start and he’s going to do big things.