SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said Sunday that starting quarterback Everett Golson's thumb injury was not the deciding factor when he was pulled in favor of Tommy Rees. He made the choice because of Rees' knowledge of the two-minute offense.

Rees led the Irish into position for a game-winning field goal Saturday and a 20-17 win over Purdue.

Using a baseball analogy, Kelly said his preference is for his starter to pitch a complete game, but added sometimes it's necessary to bring in a reliever such as Rees.

Golson is fine and will be back as the starter this Saturday when the Irish try to go 3-0 when they face Michigan State.

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