(TICKER) -- In a dismal season, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis has decided to make another change at quarterback.
Junior Evan Sharpley, who replaced freshman Jimmy Clausen in the second half last week, will make his first career start on Saturday when the Fighting Irish host rival Southern California.
In spot duty for the Irish (1-6), Sharpley, Brady Quinn's backup last season, has completed 43-of-80 passes for 479 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Sharpley had moderate success in last Saturday's 27-14 loss to Boston College, completing 11-of-29 passes for 135 yards - including a 19-yard TD to Robby Parris.
Clausen was just 7-of-20 for 60 yards with two interceptions in his worst performance of the season.
"I think Evan this week gives us the best chance of winning," Weis said. "And it's the exact same thing I told both quarterbacks."
Weis would not say if the move is permanent for the remainder of the season. Notre Dame has five games remaining.
"I'm just talking about USC," Weis said. "That's all we're talking about. Evan Sharpley is the quarterback for USC. That's all we're talking about. How would I know if it's permanent? I don't know that answer."
Clausen started Notre Dame's previous six games but was benched early in the third quarter last week with the Irish trading 20-0.
It is the second quarterback change of the season for Notre Dame, which is enduring its worst year since going 2-8 in 1960.
Sophomore Demetrius Jones, who later left the program, started the season opener against Georgia Tech.
The highly touted Clausen got his first start the following week against Penn State and had been the starter until last week.
After an outstanding prep career at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, California, Clausen was regarded as one of the top recruits in the country. But he found the transition to major college football difficult and has experienced a disappointing freshman season at Notre Dame.
Clausen has completed 81-of-141 passes for just 618 yards with five interceptions and only one touchdown.
Junior Evan Sharpley, who replaced freshman Jimmy Clausen in the second half last week, will make his first career start on Saturday when the Fighting Irish host rival Southern California.
In spot duty for the Irish (1-6), Sharpley, Brady Quinn's backup last season, has completed 43-of-80 passes for 479 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Sharpley had moderate success in last Saturday's 27-14 loss to Boston College, completing 11-of-29 passes for 135 yards - including a 19-yard TD to Robby Parris.
Clausen was just 7-of-20 for 60 yards with two interceptions in his worst performance of the season.
"I think Evan this week gives us the best chance of winning," Weis said. "And it's the exact same thing I told both quarterbacks."
Weis would not say if the move is permanent for the remainder of the season. Notre Dame has five games remaining.
"I'm just talking about USC," Weis said. "That's all we're talking about. Evan Sharpley is the quarterback for USC. That's all we're talking about. How would I know if it's permanent? I don't know that answer."
Clausen started Notre Dame's previous six games but was benched early in the third quarter last week with the Irish trading 20-0.
It is the second quarterback change of the season for Notre Dame, which is enduring its worst year since going 2-8 in 1960.
Sophomore Demetrius Jones, who later left the program, started the season opener against Georgia Tech.
The highly touted Clausen got his first start the following week against Penn State and had been the starter until last week.
After an outstanding prep career at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, California, Clausen was regarded as one of the top recruits in the country. But he found the transition to major college football difficult and has experienced a disappointing freshman season at Notre Dame.
Clausen has completed 81-of-141 passes for just 618 yards with five interceptions and only one touchdown.
