Notre Dame May Start QB Malik Zaire Over Everett Golson In Bowl Game
By Nick Wilder
@NickCWilder
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to Saturday’s matchup with rival USC, Notre Dame was desperately hoping to conclude their 2014 regular season on a high note, after the team had lost its last three games heading into their battle with the Trojans. Unfortunately for the Fighting Irish, their nightmare second half of the year continued as they were blown out in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum by a score of 49-14.
Despite losing their fourth game in a row, there remains significant intrigue regarding the quarterback position for Notre Dame’s eventual bowl game.
In the second quarter of Saturday’s game, Notre Dame fell behind 35-0 before head coach Brian Kelly decided to bench starting quarterback Everett Golson in favor of sophomore Malik Zaire. Upon entering the game, Zaire completed a 49-yard pass to Chris Brown and then ran the ball for an 11-yard touchdown on the following play.
Zaire gave the Notre Dame offense a much-needed jolt instantly, which had been struggling for several weeks (mainly due to turnovers committed by Golson). The backup finished the game with nine completions on 20 attempts for 170 yards, and also added 18 yards on six carries.
After holding firm and sticking with Golson as starting quarterback throughout the team’s skid, Kelly finally made the switch to Zaire. The head coach for the Fighting Irish remains undecided on who will start at quarterback in the team’s bowl game, but following Notre Dame’s defeat, he did say that Zaire provided a spark to the offense and did some pretty good things while under center.
The Fighting Irish should look to start Zaire in their bowl game, especially with Golson’s inability to protect the football. The senior quarterback committed 22 turnovers over the team’s final nine games of the regular season. By starting Zaire, it would allow the young quarterback to gain more game experience and help prepare him for next season.
Nick Wilder is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickCWilder and add him to your network on Google.
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