Clausen to start at QB for Notre Dame when Irish visit Happy Valley
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by JMFlyer1454
When the Fighting Irish travel to State College, PA to take on the Nittany Lions this weekend they will have a new starting QB: true freshman Jimmy Clausen. Coach Weis named Clausen the starter today ending the 1 game reign of Demetrius Jones and ending speculation that Evan Sharpley would start. All 3 Notre Dame QBs played in their season opener versus Georgia Tech, who drubbed the Irish 33-3 in South Bend. The 3 Irish QBs combined for 15 of 22 for 130 yards and 0 TDs or INTs. Jones attempted only 3 passes, completing one for 4 yards. Sharpley relieved Jones and performed as well as he could behind a line that couldn't block for either the running or passing game. Sharpley went 10 for 13 for 92 yards. Weis sent Clausen in near the end of the game for some experience. He threw for 34 yards on 4 for 6 passing, getting sacked once.
I can see Weis' decision to play Clausen. He is obviously the future for the team and is viewed by some to be a Hesiman contender by his junior year of 2009. But Notre Dame's offense was pitiful against Georgia Tech, a team whose defense is not as heralded as is Penn State's. By playing Clausen, Weis has little hope for 2007; he has his sights set on 2008. If I were Weis I would have went with Sharpley. He performed the best of the 3 QBs on Saturday and, although none of NDs QBs played much, if at all, before this year, Sharpley is a Junior and has a better feel for the offense (Sharpley did throw 2 passes last year!). Clausen is still raw and will make freshman mistakes against a very formidable and experienced Penn State defense that touts Dan Connor, Sean Lee, Justin King, and Anthony Scirrotto. If Weis wants a chance to have a decent year, he should start Sharpley. If he struggles, sure put in Clausen like last week. Throwing Clausen to the wolves is not a good idea. If a freshman QB gets rattled too much and has a terrible game it could ruin his career.
Happy Valley is going to be rocking this weekend looking for revenge for last years embarrassing loss in South Bend. A full stadium White Out has been declared for ESPNs National audience. Before the season started I thought Notre Dame would be a test for how good Penn State was this year. After last week, and now the anointing of Clausen, I don't believe this game will even be close. I believe this game may mirror the ND-GT game.
Thoughts? Should Notre Dame start Clausen? How will this game turn out?
