Notre Dame: DeShone Kizer Named Starting Quarterback vs Nevada

Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly finally made a decision at quarterback, and it was a choice everyone expected him to make.

Wednesday, Kelly informed quarterbacks DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire that Kizer would be starting against the Nevada Wolfpack on Saturday.

This decision is not that surprising when one compares how both quarterbacks played in the 50-47 double overtime loss to the Texas Longhorns.

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Kizer completed 15 of his 24 pass attempts for 215 passing yards and five passing touchdowns. He also added 13 carries for 77 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Meanwhile, Zaire only completed 2 of his 5 pass attempts for 23 passing yards and did not earn any rushing yards on three carries.

Obviously, Zaire’s numbers are lower because Notre Dame stuck with Kizer in the second half. However, it was clear Kizer was the better quarterback when both guys switched every other series in the first half

Even though he is now the full-time starter, Kizer did not rule out the possibility of Zaire getting snaps. He acknowledged the fact that Zaire is an excellent athlete and can help the team in certain situations.

"“We’ll see how the game goes. Obviously, Malik [Zaire] is an amazing athlete, and there’s going to come a time where you’re definitely going to see him on the field, I believe. That hasn’t really been talked about too much. All I know is that [Kelly] told me to prepare to be the starter on Saturday, and that’s what I plan to do.”"

Also, there is a possibility the Irish could revisit this issue in the future. Kizer could have bad game against the Wolfpack, and then Zaire could be thrust into the starting quarterback.

Kizer is probably aware of this possibility, but he is not thinking about it. He is preparing for Saturday’s game like he is only guy who will be taking snaps at quarterback; even if he starts out poorly.

Clarity is always a positive in college football, and Notre Dame did not have that with Kizer and Zaire sharing reps. With Kizer as the definitive starter, the Fighting Irish can now focus on the other areas of their team; like the defense.

Next: Notre Dame Still in CFB Playoff Picture Even with Texas Loss

Kizer earned the starting quarterback job with Notre Dame by playing well against Texas. Now, he needs to play well so he does not lose the role. If he plays anywhere close to the way he did against the Longhorns, it will not happen.