Notre Dame starts QB derby

Associated Press

SOUTH BEND, Ind.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly was pleased with what he saw from quarterback Dayne Crist as the Irish worked their way through a rainy and humid first practice Saturday.

Coming off two knee surgeries in as many seasons, Crist was sharp and much improved from spring football in March and April. Now the question: Can the senior win his job back and lead the Irish to a BCS bowl — Kelly’s stated goal in his second season?

Crist is competing with Tommy Rees, the starter and winner in Notre Dame’s final four games last year. He got the job after Crist’s season was ended by a ruptured patella tendon in his left knee on Oct. 30. Andrew Hendrix and freshman Everett Golson are also in the quarterback derby.