SOUTH BEND, Ind. — C.J. Carr's learning curve has been more like a drive down the expressway — bumpy, full of obstacles and, of course, fast.

After losing his first two games as Notre Dame's starting quarterback, at then-No. 10 Miami and at home against then-No. 16 Texas A&M by four combined points, Carr has settled in. He's won five straight to help the Fighting Irish (5-2) climb back to No. 12 in the rankings, putting them back in the College Football Playoff conversation heading into Saturday's game at Boston College (1-7).

“First-time quarterback, in terms of leading this offense, in terms of what he has on his plate, he’s done a tremendous job,” coach Marcus Freeman said in assessing Carr's quick progression. “And there’s more, that’s the exciting part. There’s more to his game. I’m

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