The headline might seem laughable considering the different type of quarterbacks Notre Dame has and the caliber of Tyler Buchner, but a rotational system could come of use for Marcus Freeman and the Irish in 2022. There's a lot of theories of how it could be executed and implemented, but only Freeman can have the answer of how to make it happen. Because of the unknowns of what Buchner can do as the starter and the different skillsets between him and Drew Pyne, it could help the Irish win a lot and possibly make the college football playoffs.
There is one thing for certain, Buchner is the more talented of the two. While Pyne has shown what he can do, he is not a better player than Buchner. Buchner provides more with his legs and is the better thrower, but Pyne has the more accurate arm. Because of those two different skill sets, it could give opposing teams a hard time making a game plan with a rotational system.
Buchner should absolutely not only be the starter, but get most of the reps. That being said, playing Buchner or Pyne alternatively could make things difficult for opposing defenses. Constantly trying to adjust during the contest is only going to give head coaches headaches trying to make a game plan. Essentially, opposing defenses will have to anticipate the element of surprise every play and that's difficult to defend.
Now, Freeman doesn't have to implement this system, but it could help in certain situations during the season especially against a team like Ohio State who have questions on their defense while also being the second ranked side in the nation. An upset could happen if they execute a tight game plan and do it perfectly. Not many teams can beat a side like Ohio State, but it could mean a lot if the Irish did. Notre Dame is expected to score a lot of points this season, so with questions on the Buckeyes defense, this seems like a golden opportunity for the Irish. It could help get as many reps for the two of them against sides like Marshall or Cal just in case injuries occur later down the road and it could help frustrate opposing defenses of ranked sides and more difficult games.
Freeman has handed the reins over to Tommy Rees, the offensive coordinator, for the offense as Freeman is more of a defensive mind. However, Rees does have high praise as an offensive mind, so it might be wise to see what Freeman asks Rees is best and if Rees feels like a rotational quarterback system would be wise, then it should be done. Even with injuries to key pieces like wide receiver Avery Davis, this system could make the offense even more dynamic. It also helps to have a great offensive line that is also deep. So for this system to work, the offensive line has to be great and reliable. Another thing that could help open up things with this system is the running backs as Chris Tyree, Logan Diggs, and Audric Estime each bring something different in their styles of play and could help make the rotational quarterback system work even more. However, if they do go about using this system, it will be up to both Freeman and Rees designing how to make it work.
Now, this is more of a suggestion than anything else. The ones who know more about what is best for the offense are the ones who are in charge of the team. That being said, it's hard to ignore that it's something that could be useful and beneficial especially with what each quarterback provides. Buchner is obviously the better player and should get the most reps, but having Pyne out there could make things more difficult for opposing defenses. If that is the case, then Notre Dame could exceed expectations
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