Weis Picks Clausen to Start at QB Against Penn State

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Sep 4, 2007 at 11:49 AM EST

Story Updated: Sep 4, 2007 at 11:58 AM EST

(AP) Freshman Jimmy Clausen, who went into the season opener as Notre Dame's No. 3 quarterback after offseason arm surgery, will start Saturday against Penn State.

"I think he gives us the best chance of winning," coach Charlie Weis said Tuesday.

Clausen was rated by many as the top high school recruit last year. He started for three seasons at Oaks Christian of Westlake Village, Calif., leading the Lions to 42 straight wins.

Weis said Clausen was the top quarterback after spring practices, but was limited in what he could do when practices began. He was still recovering from arthroscopic surgery to have a bone spur removed from his throwing elbow when the Irish started practicing Aug. 6.

"I'm not going to play a quarterback who can't do everything, so I didn't," he said.

Weis said Clausen manages the offense best and has the best arm.

"I think he's ready to run the offense," Weis said. "He was always ready mentally, but his arm wasn't full go until last week."

Notre Dame was held to 130 yards passing last week, ranking them 94th out of 113 teams. Clausen played the final two series and was 4-of-6 passing for 34 yards and sacked once. The Irish also are last in the nation in rushing offense with minus 8 yards because they lost 69 yards on nine sacks.

Demetrius Jones started the game and was 1-of-3 passing for 4 yards against Georgia Tech and ran the ball 12 times for 28 yards. Four of the six drives he led ended in three-and-outs, and he fumbled the ball away on the other two possessions. Evan Sharpley was 10-of-13 passing for 92 yards, but was sacked seven times.

Weis wouldn't say who will back up Clausen against Penn State.

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