With just over two minutes remaining and the score tied, 17-17, quarterback Tommy Rees entered the game for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and put together the game-winning drive to defeat the Purdue Boilermakers. However, the Irish faithful were none too happy to see the junior quarterback take the field.
When Rees, not starting quarterback Everett Golson, led the offense onto the field and subsequently threw an incompletion, he was showered with boos. His teammates were surprised at the reaction, but not concerned about how Rees would handle the situation, reports Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune.
"That doesn't really get under Tommy's skin," said tackle Zack Martin, one of two players available for interviews Saturday. "He's been through some hard times. People have certain opinions about him. The great thing about him is he doesn't let it bother him. He went out there and did his thing."
Rees lost his starting job after being suspended one game by head coach Brian Kelly following the quarterback's offseason arrest. During his game-winning drive, Rees was only 3-for-8 for 35 yards but picked up key third-down conversions and set his Irish up perfectly for the game-winning field goal.
Notre Dame's next contest comes Sept. 15 at the Michigan State Spartans. Everett Golson is still the starting quarterback, but despite the boos, Rees' performance Saturday has put him back in the conversation.
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