As the 2013 season inches closer to starting, the Irish defense is preparing for a schedule that could eventually end up being one of the toughest in the country, again. Of course this can all change of the course of the summer, and even during the season itself, but we will gauge it based on what we know now. We will be taking a look at the top 5 skill players on offense that Notre Dame’s defense will be responsible for stopping throughout the regular season. This week we will look at the quarterback position.
#5) Max Wittek (USC)
Wittek found himself thrust into the spotlight after USC lost their star quarterback in Matt Barkley. While it may have only been 2 games, Wittek struggled as he connected on just 28 out of his 60 passes in the season finale at home against Notre Dame, and against Georgia Tech in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. He isn’t afraid to throw deep, and Kiffin and staff are hoping he shows signs of being a little more consistent in that area. Wittek has the tools, including a very strong arm, and it will be interesting to see how long Kiffin is willing to stick with him if he struggles early on, as they are trying to rebound from a hugely disappointing season in 2012.
Grade C+
#4) Blake Bell (Oklahoma)
Bell saw the field often last year, but it was typically in short yardage and goal-line situations. This year Stoops is looking to him to be a leader and fill the void left by the graduation of Landry Jones. In 2012 Bell ran for 11 touchdowns, but will now have to rely on his arm as much, if not more than his feet. In the Spring game, Bell looked good, as he threw for over 200 yards and a pair scores through the air. Bell has been compared often to former Gator signal caller, Tim Tebow, but with a better arm and accuracy level. It is hard to judge Bell this early though, and only throwing 20 career passes at the collegiate level, doesn’t help the situation.
Grade B-
#3) Kevin Hogan (Stanford)
After replacing Josh Nunes mid-season, the young QB came in led the Cardinal to 6 straight wins. Throwing for 1095 yards, 9 touchdowns, and completing over 71% of his passes. While he may be more a pocket passer, Hogan can hurt you on the ground, rushing for 268 yards with nice average of 4.8 yards per carry. He still needs to develop his game a bit, and having the majority of snaps during Spring and Fall practice should really help do just that. Should develop his deep game more as the season starts, but his strength is short to medium passes.
Grade B+
#2) Devin Gardner (Michigan)
After replacing Denard Robinson because of injury in 2012, the converted receiver impressed many with his ability and silenced many of his doubters. Gardner threw for 1219 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions. He finished the season with a QB rating of 161.7 which would have been good enough for 7th nationally, had he had enough attempts. Gardner is a much better fit for coach Hoke’s pro-style offense, but the big question is does he have enough weapons around him this year to show what he really can do?
Grade – B+
#1) Taylor Kelly (Arizona State)
Taylor Kelly returns to lead the Sun Devils offense this year, and this offense has the potential to be one of the best in the nation. After a season that saw Taylor throw for 3039 yards, 29 touchdowns, and complete a very healthy 67% of his pass attempts, we feel like he is poised to have an even bigger year in 2013. Kelly also has the ability to hurt you on the ground, as he ran for 516 yards on 134 attempts in 2012. He will have top targets in Chris Coyle(696 yds – 5 TD’s) and DJ Foster(533 yds – 4 TD’s) back, and should only continue to grow throughout the season.
Grade – A
The Irish get a break this year as they will benefit greatly from the exits of Landry Jones(Oklahoma), Tino Sunseri(Pittsburgh), Matt Barkley(USC), Riley Nelson/James Lark(BYU), Robert Marve/Caleb Terbush(Purdue), and Connor Dietz(Air Force) from their respective programs. That’s not to say that the challenge at hand will be an easy one, but not having to face the list of before-mentioned quarterbacks should make it an easier one. The Irish defense should be better in the secondary(and healthier) and the front seven has the potential to be as good this year, as they were in 2012, and possibly better.
Tim Tebow completed 67.1% of his passes with 88 TDs and only 15 INTs while at Florida. OU would love to get that kind of accuracy out of Bell.
Opposing quarterbacks will struggle more in 2013 than in 2012.
The second unit D-line – possibly Kona, Springmann and Vanderdoes – will be almost as good as the first unit. And with Ishaq, Romeo, and Jaylon Smith in speed rush packages, the pressure will be unrelenting.