Brian Kelly updates Notre Dame starting quarterback situation

Notre Dame left Saturday’s game against Cincinnati not only with its first loss of the season, but also with a quarterback controversy. Starting quarterback Jack Coach was 14 of 22 in the game for 114 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. When the second half got underway, it was backup Drew Pyne under center instead of the struggling Coan.

Tyler Buchner also saw a few snaps in the loss for Notre Dame. Pyne was 9 of 22 in the game for 143 yards and a touchdown. He also had 10 rushing yards. Buchner did not complete either of his two passes, and one throw was intercepted. Buchner had eight yards rushing.

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly commented on his quarterback situation entering Week 6. Kelly told reporters that no starter has been publicly named, but that the team will know later on Monday. Kelly also said that Notre Dame will “pick one quarterback and go with it,” per The Athletic’s Pete Sampson.

“We know who it is, yes,” Kelly said via Sampson.

Notre Dame is looking for more consistency from the quarterback room

The Irish have been inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball all season. While three quarterbacks saw the field in the loss, Notre Dame also had just 84 yards and one touchdown rushing. Whoever Notre Dame chooses to lead the offense will need to play well to keep the job.

Coan is in his first season with Notre Dame after three seasons at Wisconsin. In 2019, Coan threw for 2,727 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions for the Badgers. So far this season, Coan has 1,100 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback.

Pyne is in his second season with Notre Dame, and he has completed 17 of his 33 career attempts for 236 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Buchner is a true freshman that has completed three of his six passes this season for 78 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.