Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Week 1

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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