Clausen To Start Against Air Force

He's lost the competition. He's moved up to the number one spot. He's been "injured" and lost his starting job. Now, Clausen is back.

Jimmy Clausen, the supposed savior, was named the starter for Notre Dame's game against Air Force tomorrow. This season, Clausen struggled when he got the chance. He threw five interceptions and only one touchdown pass in his seven games.

Coach Weis said Clausen struggled because the speed of the Division 1 college football game is a big change from Clausen's small high school in Southern California. Now, the Irish season is finished. They won't go to a bowl game. They had a bad season. It will be better next year, however. The Irish need to start their young players and get experience.

In the last two games, Sharpley started and he had moderate success. He threw two touchdowns and only one interception. The problem is that none of those games resulted in wins. Sharpley is an inconsistent player. He was amazing against Purdue and Boston College, but he was pedestrian against Southern Cal and Navy.

This change will not be the only one that Weis makes. There will probably be changes on defense. Instead of Justin Brown and Dwight Stephenson, Paddy Mullen will see some good playing time. Kyle McCarthy might see some playing time instead of Tom Zbikowski. We will see Brian Smith and Kerry Neal going after the QB instead of Anthony Vernaglia and John Ryan. This change is just the beginning.

Air Force's defense is 38th in the nation. However, that is scoring defense. Air Force has played a very averaged schedule. Navy, TCU, and Utah are their toughest games. TCU and Utah have bad offenses, as do many of the teams in the Mountain West Conference. They can rack up yards though. The Falcons are 105th in passing defense. Clausen will have to step up for the Irish to beat Air Force.

Clausen has played better defenses than Air Force's. Michigan and Penn State come to mind. Clausen needs to play better to keep this job. Next year, Dayne Crist is coming to South Bend. Clausen doesn't have the starting job wrapped up. This game's importance is more than just a win or a loss. This game may decide the starting lineup for 2008.