The portal and NIL have changed the game! I for one, dislike what the portal has done to the game, but on the other hand, if Notre Dame chooses not to use or take advantage of transfer opportunities we will be left behind.
I am not one to provide negative criticism of our players, but I have to speak to the Drew Pyne and Tyler Buchner comments. They chose Notre Dame out of High School and no matter which was the quarterback, I wanted to see the Notre Dame football team find success. Yes, I am a diehard Domer no matter the circumstance.
Now lets speak to performance on the field and the transfer portal. Pyne as the quarterback was not very good. Notre Dame won despite not having a difference making quarterback. Pyne was lacking, if truth be told. Pyne transferred and I wish him the best of luck.
As it relates to Buchner, he is an excellent athlete and a runner of the football. His passing skills, I believe could be better, but his decision making was at issue. With that said, he doesn't present that threat that makes you confident against a high caliber (top ten) opponent can get the job done with 2:00 minutes left with the game is on the line. I like the kid, but being at Notre Dame for three years, he should it seems have shown more progress. I wish him well at his next stop.
I rewatched every game from this past season and saw on countless occasions where our receivers were open, and Pyne failed to get them the ball. If you have played football, that leads to frustration and a lack of confidence in the QB to put the football where it needs to be.
I can only speak for myself, but I want to see Notre Dame win another championship in my lifetime. Coach Holtz shifted the paradigm against the odds. Watching the women basketball team win the National Championship a few years back was a very proud moment. It is just a phenomenal feeling. Yep, I am a Notre Dame diehard and yes, I am optimistic that we will be alright. Go Irish!!!