After being cleared to practice on Tuesday, Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees already has his eyes set on staying in the starting line-up as the Irish prepare for a road game at Air Force.
“Absolutely,” Rees said Wednesday, when asked if he was going to start this weekend.
Rees left Notre Dame’s win against USC with a neck strain, but appeared to be in good shape as The Chicago Tribune‘s Brian Hamilton reported Wednesday.
“Going out there and practicing, it was good to be back out there with the guys,” Rees said, according to Hamilton. “I feel good right now and I’m going to continue to feel better throughout he week.”
Rees has been serviceable for Notre Dame this season despite some concerns about his consistency heading in to the season following the loss of Everett Golson. Rees has had his highs and lows, the story of his career at Notre Dame. He has completed 53 percent of his passes for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns and has been intercepted six times through seven games, which averages out to two touchdowns and an interception per game. Rees is going to lead the offense to some scores, but he is almost always due for a turnover. But those are just averages and some fun with numbers. In reality, Rees has had more good games than bad, but the bad games have gotten ugly at times.
Notre Dame has made it work for the most part this season. Rees has struggled against Notre Dame’s top two opponents this season, combing for five of his interceptions in two games against Michigan and Oklahoma.
Rees completed 14 of 21 pass attempts for 166 yards and two touchdowns without throwing a pick in Notre Dame’s 14-10 victory over USC last Saturday in South Bend, Indiana.