Kevin Rooney had seen this act before.

So when quarterback Dayne Crist pitched a couple interceptions in a season-opening victory over Canyon last fall, the Notre Dame head coach didn't sweat it. Crist started similarly just a few months prior in a passing camp, opening erratically before settling into a rhythm that bordered on perfection.

Last month Crist committed to the Irish over USC, Stanford, Michigan and LSU, a decision that caught Rooney by surprise for its timing if not its result. Crist appeared to be leaning toward USC initially but changed course in a hurry after visiting South Bend with linebacker Anthony McDonald, who committed to the Irish on that trip.

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