Brian Kelly's decision to make Dayne Crist his starting quarterback lasted only two quarters after Notre Dame's coach decided to start sophomore Tommy Rees in the second half of a game against Southern Florida that was suspended two hours, 10 minutes because of severe thunderstorms and lightning. 

Crist won the job during an intense competition with Rees, a Lake Forest High product, during training camp but threw several inaccurate passes in the first half, including an interception in the end zone, as the mistake-prone Irish fell behind USF 16-0. Inaccuracy plagued Crist last season but offensive coordinator Charley Molnar said earlier this week that improved footwork had resolved the problem.

Crist completed seven of 15 passes for 95 yards with one interception in the first half. He was sacked once.