"A lot of zip and a lot of accuracy."

That’s what Charlie Weis saw in Jimmy Clausen in practice this week. It’s the reason the freshman is back as the Irish starter.

Clausen replaces Evan Sharpley, who replaced him. Sharpley started the last two games.

Clausen took his lumps physically throughout the season. The ill effects are now gone, according to his head coach.

"He looked better in just about everything than he did a few weeks back,” Weis said. “He looked very fresh, he looked very sharp. We were very encouraged."

This is now the 3rd change the Irish have made with the starting quarterback this season.

It began with Demetrius Jones, then Clausen took over in game 2, Sharpley in game 8, and now back to Clausen in game 10.

The offensive captains say the changes haven't been a problem for the team unity.

"Whoever is back there, they have all been great leaders,” center John Sullivan said. “They’ve all been guys that want to win and have had the right attitude for the position."

"I think it might affect chemistry if it were a player that we didn't have confidence in, but we don't have that problem,” tight end John Carlson explains.

“The guys that we have that can move back there, we've got faith in them, and we know that Jimmy can make plays and Evan can make plays and they both know how to handle the huddle and we have confidence in their abilities. That's why it's not an issue."

Weis gave Sharpley and Clausen equal reps on Tuesday. Clausen received more reps on Wednesday based on his performance the day before. Weis made the decision on going back to Clausen following Wednesday’s practice.