Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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glamorous quarterback, but they did finish ranked No. 10 in Associated Press poll. In 1993, Kevin McDougal passed for only 1,541 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions, and rushed for a modest 85 yards — but because he minimized bad plays and came through when most needed during an 11-1 campaign, it was a "great year." Even last year, Golson didn't post jaw-dropping numbers — he was 62nd nationally in passing efficiency — while passing for 2,405 yards and 12 scores. At the same time, he tossed only six interceptions and helped the defense carry the day most of the time. For Rees, there would be nothing wrong with repeating a Golson-like 2012, other than upgrading red-zone production. "If I put our team in position to win every game, that would be enough for me … just continue the success we had last year," replied Rees when asked of his individual goals. There are at least three statistical figures that would greatly facilitate the 2013 offense with Rees at the throttle. First, in Kelly's three seasons Notre Dame has never ranked higher than 59th in passing efficiency. Attaining a top 30-35 placement this year should be a positive sign, especially because this stat is not necessarily about gaudy statistics but making whatever you do count. One of the ways to do that would be improving the red-zone offense, where the inexperienced Golson struggled last year and where a special emphasis has been placed. "It's been so much better, and a lot of that has to do with Tommy and his experience," Kelly said Aug. 12, the seventh day of practice. "He's been really good taking care of the football, giving us the opportunity to score touchdowns, not kick field goals [a school-record 23 last year]. I'd say that probably stands out the most." Second, if Rees can limit his amount of turnovers (both interceptions and fumbles) to 10 or so during a 13-game season, that would be a sign of potential prosperity — provided the running backs or receivers don't get a bad case of "fumbleitis." Extra credit would include finishing on the plus side of rushing yardage at quarterback. Golson ran for 298 yards last season, and Rees even having one-fifth of that (he is at minus-71 through three years) might be unlikely. But if the quarterback position can stay on the positive side of the ledger, that would be a bonus. "He's kept some plays alive that he has not been able to do in the past," Kelly said of Rees' work this August. "He's turned some negative plays that's he's had in the past into zero or plus five or seven. That might not sound much to you, but if it can keep you out of third-and-long when you get into some tougher situations, that's huge for us in terms of managing games. "He's thrown the fade in the short field much better. That was a bit of a weakness for him. I think he's worked hard on that. By and large, just the gradual improvement from last year to this year, we've seen it." It's all part of survival training. ❑