[Lefty Noob]

With all of the [arguably premature] Heisman hype going Brady Quinn's way, I was wondering where you would rank him all-time amongst the pantheon of Notre Dame quarterbacks. Certainly, its far too early to even mention his name with the likes of Montana or Theisman -- he would have to have one heck of a senior season to jump up into their ranks. But how does he compare against, say, Daryle Lamonica, Tony Rice or Rick Mirer? Just curious.

[EmpireWF]

I'm not familiar with Notre Dame history but there's no doubt Quinn will be the best QB in the nation next season and should be the top pick overall in the NFL Draft a year from now.

Charlie Weis has been gold to his sports career.

[cjg11582]

It is probably a little early to prognosticate Quinn as the next great Irish QB, he hasn't even won a bowl game yet. Though he is definitely the front runner for the heisman, although I think the media does give ND favorable treatment, so that obviously contributes to his chances. If ND beats Michigan and does so convincingly, that is when his stock will rise, along with his place in ND football history. Because as it stands now he has looked impressive against a series of mediocre teams for one season. That's it.

[anrobins]

Would we be having this conversation without Charlie Weis as his coach? It has definitely been a blessing for Quinn's career aspirations. Afterall, it was Weis who was a contributer in makeing Tom Brady into what he is today.

[cjg11582]

I agree, Weiss is going to be a recruiting powerhouse for as long as he stays in South Bend. Not only is he coaching at the one university where every game is nationally televised, not only does he run a great offensive scheme that is conducive to the pro game, but also he can walk into a kids living room and say "I can make you the next Tom Brady". The only coach that can rival that is Pete Carroll.

[Lefty Noob]

Stats don't tell the whole story, but it is a good place to start.

According to the Notre Dame media guide, Quinn entered last season holding the following Fighting Irish records.

Most passing attempts in a season - 353 (2004)
Highest pass attempts per game average, season - 29.4 (2004)
Highest pass attempts per game average, career - 28.5 (2003-04)
Most pass completions in a season - 191 (2004)
Most pass attempts in a game without an INT - 47 (2004)
Highest passing yards per game average, career - 184.0 (2003-04)
Most touchdown passes, game - 4 (2004)

In 2005, using the same statistical reference for comparison, Quinn set new single-season records with 450 pass attempts, 292 completions, a 64.9-percent completion percentage, 3919 yards, 326.6 yards per game, and 32 touchdowns. Quinn's 158.4 passer efficiency rating is also tops among all Irish QBs who attempted at least 100 passes, and against BYU he broke a school record by throwing 6 touchdown passes in a single game.

Now, don't get me wrong. I realize they throw the ball a lot more now than they used to, and I'm not saying he's one of the top two or three Fighting Irish QBs of all time or anything.

But you've got to admit one certainly could get that impression from his numbers...

[Lefty Noob]

Good story about Quinn from Rivals.com:
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?s...vals&type=lgns

Notre Dame is already the most scrutinized college football program in the country, and when you quarterback the Irish you're part of a lineage that includes four Heisman Trophy winners as well as Terry Hanratty, Tom Clements, Joe Theismann and Joe Montana.

No pressure there.

Yet, Quinn's junior season was statistically better than any of his predecessors'.

He set single-season school records with 450 pass attempts, 292 completions, 3,919 yards, 32 touchdowns and a brilliant 64.9 completion percentage.

That was all done in just his first season under head coach Charlie Weis, who said Quinn could be even more productive in his second season running Weis' offense.

Can Quinn actually have a better season this year? That would be scary. Does it even matter how impressive as his numbers, though, if he doesn't lead the Irish to at least a BCS bowl victory?

[cjg11582]

It matters for him. Not really for anyone else affiliated with Notre Dame, be it fan or otherwise. But I would expect another BCS appearance for The Irish, and possibly a win.