Post-Golson Era Looks Bright for Irish
The
Notre Dame Fighting Irish began their season with a statement win over the
Texas Longhorns Saturday night. With strong play on both sides of the ball, the
Irish capitalized on every big opportunity in their 38-3 rout of the once Big
12 powerhouse. It seemed as if the question that loomed in the minds of the
Irish faithful had been answered: How would Malik Zaire do in replacing Everett
Golson at quarterback?
Zaire
had been asked this question or versions of it multiple times over the summer, including
during camp and at practices. On Saturday night, he decided to let his actions
speak instead of his words. Zaire threw for 313 yards and was 19 for 22 passing
the ball with three touchdowns to no interceptions.
The
last statistic is one that has Irish fans hopeful for a National Championship
run this season. While Golson was known for his dynamic playmaking abilities,
he was also a turnover machine who loved teasing the blue and gold faithful
with his innate ability to throw for 400 plus yards a game. His turnovers
proved costly and towards the end of the 2014 season he was giving the other
team the ball four or five times a game. Zaire managed to finish the game on
Saturday without one of those costly mistakes.
“We
expect all of our guys to play up to what we believe they are capable of.
Certainly there are a number of things he can do better but we believe in
Malik, we trust in him,” said head coach Brian Kelly after the game.
Coach
Kelly is not one known for dishing out compliments, especially after the first
game of the season. He knows there is still much work to be done but sounded as
positive as he ever has when discussing his team’s quarterback play following
the game, even saying, “He clearly has the ability to throw the football and
throw it accurately.”
The
statement play of the game came with 5:50 left to play in the third quarter
when Zaire hit wide receiver Will Fuller in stride on a deep ball for a 66 yard
touchdown pass to put the Irish up 24 to 3, shortly after Texas put themselves
on the board for the first time with a 41 yard field goal from kicker Nick
Rose. Any sort of momentum Texas may have had was gone as the Irish put the
stamp on the game. It looked as if this was the team of a few years ago.
Golson
led the Irish to the BCS National Championship game in 2012 so Zaire has a lot
more work to do but has certainly put his team on course for similar success
this season. There are many similarities and differences between the two
gunslingers but most notable of the latter is Zaire’s ability to lead his team.
Known as a more vocal presence on the field than Golson, Zaire has taken the
reins of this offense and has not looked back.
Finishing
the game with a QBR of 92.9 (out of 100), Zaire bested his Texas counterpart
Tyrone Swoopes who earned just a 7.2.
Brian
Kelly’s final comment on the matter was just simply, “he’s got room to grow,” thus
making it known to Irish fans that more difficult games are coming; and quite
possibly that the best of Zaire.
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