In this series we look back at 10 memorable stories from the 2014-15 school year in chronological order. From off-the-field news to in-game triumphs and disappointment, Blue & Gold Illustrated looks back at the year that was.

One year ago at this time, many treated Everett Golson as the savior of the Notre Dame football program. Many had Tommy Rees fatigue despite his ability to max out his talents and save the Irish from potential losing seasons in 2010 and 2013 - for those that think the latter is ridiculous, remember Andrew Hendrix's USC performance? - not to mention his role as a closer for the 12-1 team in 2012.

Even though Golson had enrolled at Notre Dame 3 ½ years prior, it felt like Irish fans had yet to get more than a taste of his skills. He quarterbacked the undefeated regular season in 2012, even if he "rode the bus" as head coach Brian Kelly put it last August.

Finally, this was the year that Kelly could run his preferred offense with a signal-caller that could boast dual-threat abilities and did not need to be handled with kid gloves like the 2012 version of Golson.

Through seven games, Golson accounted for 23 total touchdowns and six interceptions. The Irish began the season 6-0 and came a pass interference flag away from a victory at No. 2 Florida State. Notre Dame's quarterback was a clear Heisman Trophy candidate.

Then, everything fell apart for both Golson and the Irish. His turnover problems, which had yet to cost Notre Dame a victory through October, devastated Notre Dame during a brutal 1-4 November that culminated in his benching and a 49-14 loss at archrival USC.

"We've been working with him," an exasperated Kelly said following the Nov. 8 loss at Arizona State, the start of a four-game losing streak. "Sooner or later, he's got to take it on himself to take care of the football. I don't know what else to do. We're at the point where it hurt us in the game, obviously. He knows it."

Notre Dame would lose three straight times after that game to end the regular season. In all, Golson would commit 22 turnovers in 12 contests.

Backup quarterback Malik Zaire replaced Golson midway through the USC game and started the bowl game against LSU. The duo participated in a two-quarterback offense that resulted in a 31-28 win against the Tigers. A few months later, it became clear that Golson was not interested in splitting time in South Bend.

Throughout spring practice, the pair battled for reps. The 15-practice session ended without a clear starter under center. Kelly indicated that he fully expected Golson to return to the squad in the fall, despite rumors of a possible graduate transfer elsewhere.

"I couldn't tell you for certain, but he's had his best spring since he's been here, he's fully engaged in everything that he's doing," Kelly said April 11. "It's the best that I've seen him do the things we've asked him to do since he's been here. It's like anything else. If you're half in, you kind of see it. It would surprise me - I'm not surprised by anything that 18 and 21 year olds do, I've been in this business too long - but there's no indication that there's anything that he's done that would mean he's just doing this as a way to go somewhere else.

"If I sensed it at all, I would've pulled the plug on it myself because we're wasting our time. I think I've got a pretty good sense of people and situations. I'm not going to jeopardize our program, our staff, our livelihood, what we do if somebody's not bought in and 100 percent committed. That's the most honest answer I can give you from that standpoint."

Then, in early May, Golson announced his intention to transfer from Notre Dame for his fifth season of eligibility. Ultimately, he chose Florida State as his destination and is currently in a quarterback competition there heading into the season.

At Notre Dame, the job is now Zaire's, with no reason for him to worry about being pulled if the first series, half or game goes awry.