'11 SC QB Everett Golson (FSU transfer)

[phillyirish]

Let's be clear. EG is a coward. He did not like the heat on his back and he left. But not until he stole reps from the young guys. That's my problem. Don't use our program for spring reps then transfer after - YOU F#(K!NG COWARD!

Everybody wishing him the best and all that BS - get your head outta your fanny. He's a POS. If it don't help these Irish then whatdoya care. WHATDOYA CARE!

Go Irish!
F#(K GOLSON
You're WORSE than a Skunkbear or trojan.

Who cares about the spring reps. At least he stuck around and gave it one last shot to be the man. He could've just gave up after getting benched in the SC game and then splitting reps against lsu. But he stayed to try and regain his position as the qb of this team, just like he did when he was dismissed but chose to sit out a year and come back to lead the team. That proves that he wanted to be here. But now it's different: he graduated and it's in his best interest to go somewhere else for him to best succeed. And who knows? Maybe it's in the Irish's best interest too. It's clear there was writing on the wall that he wasn't going to be the man, signs pointed toward Zaire leading the team. Now we can avoid any qb controversy while Zaire can have more confidence not having to look over his shoulder every time his makes a mistake worrying about being replaced.

All this doesn't really manner as your post was belligerent, trolling bs that doesn't deserve a response but in any case I thank golson for the memories we he left us with as he may not have been the best qb we've had in the past 20 years(though he's up there, no doubt about that), he definitely led the best Irish teams we've seen in that time span.

 

[ARALOU]

I have been critical of Golson but never disrespectful. I also give him much credit for 2012 and coming back to get his degree. I hope we don't need him but you never know. I think he deserves our respect and best wishes.

 

[pkt77242]

Who cares about the spring reps. At least he stuck around and gave it one last shot to be the man. He could've just gave up after getting benched in the SC game and then splitting reps against lsu. But he stayed to try and regain his position as the qb of this team, just like he did when he was dismissed but chose to sit out a year and come back to lead the team. That proves that he wanted to be here. But now it's different: he graduated and it's in his best interest to go somewhere else for him to best succeed. And who knows? Maybe it's in the Irish's best interest too. It's clear there was writing on the wall that he wasn't going to be the man, signs pointed toward Zaire leading the team. Now we can avoid any qb controversy while Zaire can have more confidence not having to look over his shoulder every time his makes a mistake worrying about being replaced.

All this doesn't really manner as your post was belligerent, trolling bs that doesn't deserve a response but in any case I thank golson for the memories we he left us with as he may not have been the best qb we've had in the past 20 years(though he's up there, no doubt about that), he definitely led the best Irish teams we've seen in that time span.

While I agree with most of your post, I very much disagree with you when it comes to spring reps. They are very important especially for someone as inexperienced as Zaire, plus it would have given Kizer more reps.

 

[Booslum31]

Golson did what he had to do. I'm most dissappointed that the coaching staff couldn't make him comfortable with the role he'd play next year. Comfortable enough to have him stay. God forbid we get down by two TD's next year with little time left in the game...not to mention the shat-creek we'll be up if Zaire goes down, which is highly likely with his running style. IMO we were going to be a bitch to prepare for with both of them. it will be much easier for opposing teams now. I won't say again that i dont care where he goes...let's leave it at indifference.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Golson did what he had to do. I'm most dissappointed that the coaching staff couldn't make him comfortable with the role he'd play next year. Comfortable enough to have him stay. God forbid we get down by two TD's next year with little time left in the game...not to mention the shat-creek we'll be up if Zaire goes down, which is highly likely with his running style. IMO we were going to be a bitch to prepare for with both of them. it will be much easier for opposing teams now. I won't say again that i dont care where he goes...let's leave it at indifference.

This.
I wasn't looking forward to a two quarterback system. But, I was interested in seeing how coaches would prep for us, given we would have had 2 qbs, that can win in completely different ways. If a team preps for malik, but golson in (vice versa).

Oh, what could have been...

Kizer and Wimbush time now.

 

[stlnd01]

This.
I wasn't looking forward to a two quarterback system. But, I was interested in seeing how coaches would prep for us, given we would have had 2 qbs, that can win in completely different ways. If a team preps for malik, but golson in (vice versa).

Oh, what could have been...

I agree that could've been something to watch. But if you're going in with a two QB system, both QBs have to buy in. For whatever reason, Golson didn't. That's too bad. But I don't really put it on the coaches.

 

[Irish2155]

Let's be clear. EG is a coward. He did not like the heat on his back and he left. But not until he stole reps from the young guys. That's my problem. Don't use our program for spring reps then transfer after - YOU F#(K!NG COWARD!

Everybody wishing him the best and all that BS - get your head outta your fanny. He's a POS. If it don't help these Irish then whatdoya care. WHATDOYA CARE!

Go Irish!
F#(K GOLSON
You're WORSE than a Skunkbear or trojan.

It is awesome we are now being clear, things were getting foggy...?

When is the last time you saw a non-EG ND football team play for a National Title? 1988. That is clear, and factual. He, as a Frosh, played in the biggest college football game of them all. That is experience no other QB in the nation has on his resume.

FSU is going to get one of the game's best next year. Put him under center, give him a running game...dude is going to explode.

If calling him a coward makes you feel better, then go for it... He stole reps...LOL.

 

[Irish#1]

This.
I wasn't looking forward to a two quarterback system. But, I was interested in seeing how coaches would prep for us, given we would have had 2 qbs, that can win in completely different ways. If a team preps for malik, but golson in (vice versa).

Oh, what could have been...

Kizer and Wimbush time now.

I agree that could've been something to watch. But if you're going in with a two QB system, both QBs have to buy in. For whatever reason, Golson didn't. That's too bad. But I don't really put it on the coaches.

There's an old saying in football...........When you have two quarterbacks, you don't have any quarterbacks.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

It is awesome we are now being clear, things were getting foggy...?

When is the last time you saw a non-EG ND football team play for a National Title? 1988. That is clear, and factual. He, as a Frosh, played in the biggest college football game of them all. That is experience no other QB in the nation has on his resume.

FSU is going to get one of the game's best next year. Put him under center, give him a running game...dude is going to explode.

If calling him a coward makes you feel better, then go for it... He stole reps...LOL.

I think if you check, you will find he was a sophomore. At least that is the way Notre Dame lists it in their records.

And, without Tommy's relief, '12 would never have happened.

My feeling is, and some have alluded to it, that using Golson in '12 required Kelly to throttle back things on offense, and let the defense and the running game win it.

I agree with this sentiment.

Also, one quarterback, or two; it is all just smoke and mirrors.

Notre Dame needs to have a real leader in charge on offense, (at quarterback.) One that has the skill set to go along with it. True he doesn't have to have record breaking statistics; but he has to be solid. Those on offense need to be able to count on him, where he will be when, and that he will run the play.

I am far from an expert on any facet of football, but if you look at every quarterback from Tony Rice [(passing 185 out of 380 for 48.7% and 3,273 yards, 13 touchdowns and 22 interceptions), (rushing in 412 attempts 2,049 yards at a 5.0 yard per carry average with 23 rushing touchdowns), to Kevin McDougal [records for career completion percentage (.622) and career pass efficiency (154.4)], and all those before and after, no matter what their "type" or "statistics", they all were leaders first, quarterbacks that executed as team players, had killer desire, with enough athletic skill to back it all up.

Even if you want to say (and I certainly don't) a guy like Tony Rice wasn't the best at quarterback, he was a phenomenal athlete that could move the team, and take it on his back if necessary, (witness USC.)

Regardless of who anyone want to anoint, and who anyone wants to blame, Kelly hasn't had a quarterback like that since he has been at Notre Dame. And he should have. Even if you take the 2010 recruiting class with four middling quarterbacks, there was enough star power with two five stars at ND before Kelly even got here, that talent wasn't an issue. In fact, the least talented quarterback of the group, Tommy Rees, just about achieved the most.

I for one don't care. I just don't care. It is a new day with Kelly backing off of the micro-management, and Mike Sanford owning the quarterbacks. I am looking forward to things moving forward. And one more quarterback reference. At the start of Joe Montana's NC season, what was he on the depth chart? Champions rise. We at ND have that opportunity now!

 

[ARALOU]

Rees? While he had some moments, I agree, much of the credit should still go to EG and the defense. I recall his running ability saving some games.



Now if MZ starts turning the ball over at a pace similar to the previous two QBs, in past seasons, what does that say about the offense. I welcome the chance that MZ has gotten. Like I said earlier, I just hope we don't need EG before the season is over. Its a shame he had to move on. Everyone does realize that he is an alum, correct?

 

[Booslum31]

Rees? While he had some moments, I agree, much of the credit should still go to EG and the defense. I recall his running ability saving some games.



Now if MZ starts turning the ball over at a pace similar to the previous two QBs, in past seasons, what does that say about the offense. I welcome the chance that MZ has gotten. Like I said earlier, I just hope we don't need EG before the season is over. Its a shame he had to move on. Everyone does realize that he is an alum, correct?

Yes, he is alum. But when MZ misses a few easy targets, get's dinged up, or doesn't go thru his progressions...EG will be an alum that I'm bummed at. Still pissed at the staff...not EG.

 

[ARALOU]

I agree, we will just have to wait and see.

 

[OCIrish]

Any fans in sports> Cubs fans

Care to go a round or two???

 

[Booslum31]

Care to go a round or two???

Ha...I'd pay to see that. Was in Chicago last week...what a sports town!

 

[BMT]

Not to be to negative but.....We have all heard that when one of your running QBs gets hurt- then you have none. Then the defense loads the box on Kizer or Wimbush=season over.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Any fans in sports> Cubs fans

Any poster on IE>GBdomer!!!

*I dislike the Cubs and a niche of their fans, but cmon.....

 

[IRISHFAN76]

Is there no history of a true or redshirt freshman ever playing and doing enough to win. Didn't Tommy Reese do ok his first season even though he was slower than malasses and no arm strength.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Is there no history of a true or redshirt freshman ever playing and doing enough to win. Didn't Tommy Reese do ok his first season even though he was slower than malasses and no arm strength.

In my opinion this year is more like 1993. Powlus, All World in high school, snaps his collarbone in a scrimmage, just before the season. McDougal gets the call for the season, starts all but one game including upsets of #2 Michigan and # 1 FSU. Then the lid came off against BC.

McDougal, with no practical experience, and few reps went 10-1 and has the highest passing completion percentage of any ND quarterback.

 

[alohagoirish]

A Big difference though, Mcdougal played with a team that featured a very strong defense!

 

[kmoose]

A Big difference though, Mcdougal played with a team that featured a very strong defense!

This defense could be very strong this season. We're returning, what, 10 starters from last year's opener? And they played lights out until injuries started decimating the ranks. Will they be able to capture the same magic as the start of the season, last year? Who knows. But if they do, they will be an outstanding unit.

 

[IrishLion]

Not to be to negative but.....We have all heard that when one of your running QBs gets hurt- then you have none. Then the defense loads the box on Kizer or Wimbush=season over.

This may sound off-the-wall, but I think one of BK's greatest strengths is coaching and calling a game for a QB that gets thrown into the fire too soon. As much turmoil as there has been the past 5 years, Rees as a freshman was the one he coached that wasn't ready... And Rees slung the ball pretty well.

The problems at ND have been "ready" QB's that think too much, freeze up for inexplicable reasons, or turn the ball over. Rees often seemed to over-think things when he was the guy; Crist froze up at bad times (and couldn't protect himself); Hendrix was a deer in the headlights; Golson turned the ball over.

When BK was at UC, he got the most out of Pike when he was thrown into the fire, the same with Chazz Anderson and Zach Collaros the same year. At ND, he did an excellent job of coaching Rees, and the whole team, once Crist went down in 2010.

I think BK responds to adversity very well as a coach. I don't know why his QB's have struggled when they seem to be ready to be "the guy," but I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that he puts a lot on their plate. He wants incumbents to be Peyton Manning. But when he's got a blank slate, he does a better job of simply letting them sling it, and calling an overall game that erases their margins for error in terms of thinking too much. He calls the game for them brilliantly, or else he protects them with solid game-planning.

TL;DR: I think Kizer/Wimbush will be fine if needed because BK knows when to let backups sling it with great playcalling, or when to protect them with great game planning. It's when a returning starter has too much on their plate that the struggles really get frustrating.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

There's an old saying in football...........When you have two quarterbacks, you don't have any quarterbacks.

That certainly can be true, but not absolute.

If you're telling me that Florida had a bad thing going with Leak and Tebow, then that's an issue that I would love to deal with...

 

[alohagoirish]

Golson has 6000 yards and 50 TDs an undefeated season and a trip to the title game.

Zaire has 400 yards and 1 TD & a single start while sharing the passing with EG.

It was a mistake to let him go plane and simple.

What should have happened is Golson should have been named the starter ( making that declaration keeps him here no doubt) . You then make it clear ... Malik is a great talent and the future so he will PLAY every game to some degree.

By doing that Kelly has all his options---he can start Golson who showed last year he can get off to a very fast start---he can bring in Malik in any time he wants for any length of time depending on the situation and how Golson is performing.

Giving Golson the clear start in the first few games had very little risk. But letting him go to FSU while our QB spot has collectively 1 single TD to its credit has a huge downside risk.

Kelly wanted Golson to stay but he wanted it on his terms---too much ego IMO.

You do whats best for the team and in this case calling Golson the #1 while still making it clear Malik will have a big role, how big to be determined by Golsons play--that would have preserved our incredibly important depth at the most important position and allowed all kinds of game plans and problems for opposing coordinators.

I think this was mishandled and just how big a mistake it was will be determined by events. If it becomes clear it was a huuuuge mistake then Kelly will be his own scapegoat this season.

 

[GBdomer]

There was a lot of talk that the staff wanted Zaire to be the guy but Golson just wouldn't hand the keys over. He wants to play in the NFL and he couldn't go into fall camp not knowing about that. I have nothing but respect for Everett Golson and everything he did for this football program. A lot of highs and lows for him but he stuck it out and came back here when he could have taken the easy road two years ago and just left.

He gave it his all and graduated from the University of Notre Dame no one can ever take that away from him. It's a dream of so many people and probably 95% of this board. Cheers Everett, thank you for giving it your all and I look forward to cheering you on at FSU. I'm not cheering for Florida State but I will be cheering for you. Once again thank you Everett go ball out at FSU. The offensive talent you are going to have around you is just disgusting plus with the coaching of Jimbo Fisher you are in great hands.

 

[ulukinatme]

Golson has 6000 yards and 50 TDs an undefeated season and a trip to the title game.

Zaire has 400 yards and 1 TD & a single start while sharing the passing with EG.

It was a mistake to let him go plane and simple.

What should have happened is Golson should have been named the starter ( making that declaration keeps him here no doubt) . You then make it clear ... Malik is a great talent and the future so he will PLAY every game to some degree.

By doing that Kelly has all his options---he can start Golson who showed last year he can get off to a very fast start---he can bring in Malik in any time he wants for any length of time depending on the situation and how Golson is performing.

Giving Golson the clear start in the first few games had very little risk. But letting him go to FSU while our QB spot has collectively 1 single TD to its credit has a huge downside risk.

Kelly wanted Golson to stay but he wanted it on his terms---too much ego IMO.

You do whats best for the team and in this case calling Golson the #1 while still making it clear Malik will have a big role, how big to be determined by Golsons play--that would have preserved our incredibly important depth at the most important position and allowed all kinds of game plans and problems for opposing coordinators.

I think this was mishandled and just how big a mistake it was will be determined by events. If it becomes clear it was a huuuuge mistake then Kelly will be his own scapegoat this season.

So you unquestionably turn the keys over to the QB that was completely inconsistent over his career, probably more so at the back end, and just expect that he's going to take care of the football for once? You don't even let him compete with the #2 QB who has done all the right stuff and has shown to be pretty good when he's in?

Despite the fact people thought Golson had the edge in spring practice and would have likely been #1 or at least 1a in the fall that wasn't enough to convince Golson to stay. That should have told you everything you need to know about his priorities and drive. He wasn't convinced in himself enough to either stave off Zaire or make himself the unquestionable #1, and he wasn't dedicated enough to the team to stick around. He's made it known he has NFL aspirations, and that's fine, but his goals are clearly above helping the team win. He made the decision to go somewhere where the competition won't be as tough. Good luck, good riddance. Don't put that BS on the coaching staff, they gave Golson the opportunity to come back after he screwed up, and they gave him the opportunity to win his job back. Golson stuck around to graduate and said "No thanks," took his ball and went elsewhere.

You said Kelly wanted Golson to stay, but on his terms. What the heck are you talking about? You don't let the inmates run the prison, you don't let your players dictate how to run the team. You also said you do what's best for the team. Do you think it's best for the team to just name Golson #1 despite the fact he may not give ND the best chance to win? That's giving into a player's ego if you ask me. If we're going to pass the ball 50 times a game maybe Golson gives us a better chance to win. Maybe Kelly is going to run the ball more and use the LSU game as a blueprint for next year (Not holding my breath), in which case Zaire would be better suited.

Golson is 1 and done at this point. I'd rather groom a guy that wants to be here and have a guy like Malik under center that the players have respect for. Not to mention we need a good leader on offense. I'm suprised there's so many doom and gloom people about this. Underclassmen start at QB all over the country, they either flourish, fail, or fall somewhere in between. They're not predestined to fail. You eventually have to start a new QB, and we're in a pretty good position with the one we have. I'm a little concerned about the guys behind him in case he gets banged up, but when it comes to injuries sometimes you get the bear and the bear gets you. You can sit back worrying that your QB will go down if he never goes down.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Golson has 6000 yards and 50 TDs an undefeated season and a trip to the title game.

Zaire has 400 yards and 1 TD & a single start while sharing the passing with EG.

It was a mistake to let him go plane and simple.

What should have happened is Golson should have been named the starter ( making that declaration keeps him here no doubt) . You then make it clear ... Malik is a great talent and the future so he will PLAY every game to some degree.

By doing that Kelly has all his options---he can start Golson who showed last year he can get off to a very fast start---he can bring in Malik in any time he wants for any length of time depending on the situation and how Golson is performing.

Giving Golson the clear start in the first few games had very little risk. But letting him go to FSU while our QB spot has collectively 1 single TD to its credit has a huge downside risk.

Kelly wanted Golson to stay but he wanted it on his terms---too much ego IMO.

You do whats best for the team and in this case calling Golson the #1 while still making it clear Malik will have a big role, how big to be determined by Golsons play--that would have preserved our incredibly important depth at the most important position and allowed all kinds of game plans and problems for opposing coordinators.

I think this was mishandled and just how big a mistake it was will be determined by events. If it becomes clear it was a huuuuge mistake then Kelly will be his own scapegoat this season.

I disagree with a great deal of your thinking, not the least of which is your revisionist view on how it should've been handled now that you know the outcome of the chosen path. In this world, it's always best to minimize risk and reduce "maximal failure".

Maximal failure is the worst thing that could happen if your plan fails. If your plan fails, Golson and/or Malik still transfer but you've also psychologically crushed MZ. He doesn't strike me as the type of player to fold easily but you would've told him he's not the best QB on the roster. What happens if Golson leaves anyway because he doesn't want to share snaps? What is the make-up of your QB who knows he won by default not merit?

What happens if Malik transfers? Golson gives us one year and we are back to a depleted QB roster?

As it stands, Kelly's decision is one that resulted in the best possible "maximal failure" by Golson transferring and keeping Zaire. I'm not happy the Golson transferred but Kelly was in a no-win situation. He's been behind Golson since he stepped on campus but he let the team down by cheating and then he failed to produce on the field. He then compounded everything by checking out of games and displaying terrible body language as he came off the field.

I am a huge Golson fan but it just wasn't in the cards. Ask me anytime in the last three years if I thought he was the man for the job and I would've said yes. It's one of those instances where I was gravely mistaken.

Zaire is the man for the job now and until he proves me wrong, he and Kelly will have my support and fandom, not a bullsh!t pre-season ultimatum for something he couldn't control.

 

[alohagoirish]

Naming Golson the starter had almost zero risk. First Malik is not going anywhere, why in gods name would he transfer and sit a year when he plays plenty this year and owns the team the next two , that's a red herring and would never happen.

Naming Golson the starter is not letting the inmates run the prison, after all he has the resume to start absolutely , that's why he is shopping his services so successfully. The irony here is if Golson had stayed all things being equal , its still more likely then not, he would have started against TEXAS in any event. Kelly was very likely going to use both QBs and knowing Kelly how he makes the exact decision is always problematic.

Naming Golson the starter with Malik only having a single TD to his credit and not even ONE FULL game would not have been a reach by any stretch , and would not have been seriously questioned by anyone....the issue would simply be could Golson produce without turnovers and keep the job or would Kelly go to Malik sooner rather then later....and how many packages & snaps would Malik get assuming Golson was playing strongly , would he be called in redzone, would he get a drive each half or how would Kelly do it.

Naming Golson the stater would not have really changed anything , Malik still could have taken over in totality if Golson started to put the ball on the ground, or could have played situationally with EG in the fashion Kelly was probably imagining. Naming Golson the starter simply preserved the options and depth at the QB spot.

Its very easy right now to wish EG a fond farewell no worries at all, but that's because the season has not started yet. It will be abundantly clear within those first six games that we could have really used the passing and play of Golson. Even against LSU , with Golson suffering PTSD from his fumble issues, and Malik being named the starter, Kelly still had more confidence in Golson on the drives that called for deeper routes and over the middle routes.

Knowing how to handle individual players , especially the quarterbacks, is one of the key jobs of any coach , and psychology is always a big part of that. Kelly mishandled this , and although its easy right now to simply say we didn't need EG, Malik is Tim Tebow, Tony Rice, everything EG was and a great leader as well.....and after all he hit Fuller in the spring game so no worries if and when we get behind.

Hopefully that thinking is correct but my instincts tell me we will regret not having Golson sooner rather then later in 2015 , and when that happens much of what I am saying will not be controversial but will be conventional wisdom that in hindsight seems obvious.

 

[Booslum31]

Naming Golson the starter had almost zero risk. First Malik is not going anywhere, why in gods name would he transfer and sit a year when he plays plenty this year and owns the team the next two , that's a red herring and would never happen.

Naming Golson the starter is not letting the inmates run the prison, after all he has the resume to start absolutely , that's why he is shopping his services so successfully. The irony here is if Golson had stayed all things being equal , its still more likely then not, he would have started against TEXAS in any event. Kelly was very likely going to use both QBs and knowing Kelly how he makes the exact decision is always problematic.

Naming Golson the starter with Malik only having a single TD to his credit and not even ONE FULL game would not have been a reach by any stretch , and would not have been seriously questioned by anyone....the issue would simply be could Golson produce without turnovers and keep the job or would Kelly go to Malik sooner rather then later....and how many packages & snaps would Malik get assuming Golson was playing strongly , would he be called in redzone, would he get a drive each half or how would Kelly do it.

Naming Golson the stater would not have really changed anything , Malik still could have taken over in totality if Golson started to put the ball on the ground, or could have played situationally with EG in the fashion Kelly was probably imagining. Naming Golson the starter simply preserved the options and depth at the QB spot.

Its very easy right now to wish EG a fond farewell no worries at all, but that's because the season has not started yet. It will be abundantly clear within those first six games that we could have really used the passing and play of Golson. Even against LSU , with Golson suffering PTSD from his fumble issues, and Malik being named the starter, Kelly still had more confidence in Golson on the drives that called for deeper routes and over the middle routes.

Knowing how to handle individual players , especially the quarterbacks, is one of the key jobs of any coach , and psychology is always a big part of that. Kelly mishandled this , and although its easy right now to simply say we didn't need EG, Malik is Tim Tebow, Tony Rice, everything EG was and a great leader as well.....and after all he hit Fuller in the spring game so no worries if and when we get behind.

Hopefully that thinking is correct but my instincts tell me we will regret not having Golson sooner rather then later in 2015 , and when that happens much of what I am saying will not be controversial but will be conventional wisdom that in hindsight seems obvious.

I agree with this. There are obviously two camps here. I hope that we are saying "EG who?" during the entire season next year. We shall see.

 

[stlnd01]

[

Despite the fact people thought Golson had the edge in spring practice and would have likely been #1 or at least 1a in the fall that wasn't enough to convince Golson to stay. That should have told you everything you need to know about his priorities and drive. He wasn't convinced in himself enough to either stave off Zaire or make himself the unquestionable #1, and he wasn't dedicated enough to the team to stick around.

Bingo.
Golson was the presumed starter. 1A at least. He left anyway. That says a lot.
I like the guy, and I wish him well. But this move is entirely on him.

 

[Fbolt]

So you unquestionably turn the keys over to the QB that was completely inconsistent over his career, probably more so at the back end, and just expect that he's going to take care of the football for once? You don't even let him compete with the #2 QB who has done all the right stuff and has shown to be pretty good when he's in?

Despite the fact people thought Golson had the edge in spring practice and would have likely been #1 or at least 1a in the fall that wasn't enough to convince Golson to stay. That should have told you everything you need to know about his priorities and drive. He wasn't convinced in himself enough to either stave off Zaire or make himself the unquestionable #1, and he wasn't dedicated enough to the team to stick around. He's made it known he has NFL aspirations, and that's fine, but his goals are clearly above helping the team win. He made the decision to go somewhere where the competition won't be as tough. Good luck, good riddance. Don't put that BS on the coaching staff, they gave Golson the opportunity to come back after he screwed up, and they gave him the opportunity to win his job back. Golson stuck around to graduate and said "No thanks," took his ball and went elsewhere.

You said Kelly wanted Golson to stay, but on his terms. What the heck are you talking about? You don't let the inmates run the prison, you don't let your players dictate how to run the team. You also said you do what's best for the team. Do you think it's best for the team to just name Golson #1 despite the fact he may not give ND the best chance to win? That's giving into a player's ego if you ask me. If we're going to pass the ball 50 times a game maybe Golson gives us a better chance to win. Maybe Kelly is going to run the ball more and use the LSU game as a blueprint for next year (Not holding my breath), in which case Zaire would be better suited.

Golson is 1 and done at this point. I'd rather groom a guy that wants to be here and have a guy like Malik under center that the players have respect for. Not to mention we need a good leader on offense. I'm suprised there's so many doom and gloom people about this. Underclassmen start at QB all over the country, they either flourish, fail, or fall somewhere in between. They're not predestined to fail. You eventually have to start a new QB, and we're in a pretty good position with the one we have. I'm a little concerned about the guys behind him in case he gets banged up, but when it comes to injuries sometimes you get the bear and the bear gets you. You can sit back worrying that your QB will go down if he never goes down.

I find it interesting that your done with Golson, who has shown much potential and at times, more than potential, while at the same time you want to give another chance to Ishaq. Slightly different situation but much more the same. Inconsistent is a word that comes to my fingertips. <----Hey look-there it is!!