'13 OH QB Malik Zaire (Notre Dame Early Enrollee)

[Cackalacky]

I am just ready for one of Kelly's QBs to actually run the system for a whole season. Have we even seen what Kelly's full offense even looks like?

 

[gkIrish]

I am just ready for one of Kelly's QBs to actually run the system for a whole season. Have we even seen what Kelly's full offense even looks like?

That would require BK knowing what his full offense looks like.

 

[pkt77242]

I need to prepare myself. How many mistakes is Malik allowed until we can start drinking the Kizer Kool-Aid?

Based off the spring game, Malik will have a long leash.

 

[greyhammer90]

I am just ready for one of Kelly's QBs to actually run the system for a whole season. Have we even seen what Kelly's full offense even looks like?

Out curiosity why do you think that wasn't it last year? It was pretty obvious Kelly kept his foot on the gas the entire time.

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

I would add that he wasn't actually practicing that well. There isn't one person (that I've read) who watched spring practice that thought Malik was performing at a higher level than Golson.

This what makes me nervous. I think it was LAX that said it wasn't even close in his opinion, he said Golson looked sharp and Malik was pretty inconsistent.

If the offense is run, run, run, hit a tight end, screen, quick slant to fuller... I'm not nervous.

If its freakin' Clausen to Tate streaks and Corey Robinson jump balls...i'm super nervous.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

I am just ready for one of Kelly's QBs to actually run the system for a whole season. Have we even seen what Kelly's full offense even looks like?

^Thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis

 

[IrishLion]

I have enough faith in BK to call the offense as it needs to be called for his QB. Golson got to air it out because he had a cannon attached to his shoulder and because he could freestyle enough to make defenses pay. Rees got to air it out because he was intelligent and knew how to read defenses. Crist got to do both because he was efficient at both (just not at protecting himself).

If BK has Malik passing the ball 25+ times per game, it means one of two things:

1. Malik has progressed exceptionally as a passer.
2. BK has lost his mind.

I hope BK doesn't lose his mind. I hope he commits to the run. Sprinkle in some screens and play-action to capitalize on the defense creeping into the box, and Malik will be fine.

BK adjusted properly in 2012, and I have faith that he'll do so again.

 

[pkt77242]

I have enough faith in BK to call the offense as it needs to be called for his QB. Golson got to air it out because he had a cannon attached to his shoulder and because he could freestyle enough to make defenses pay. Rees got to air it out because he was intelligent and knew how to read defenses. Crist got to do both because he was efficient at both (just not at protecting himself).

If BK has Malik passing the ball 25+ times per game, it means one of two things:

1. Malik has progressed exceptionally as a passer.
2. BK has lost his mind.

I hope BK doesn't lose his mind. I hope he commits to the run. Sprinkle in some screens and play-action to capitalize on the defense creeping into the box, and Malik will be fine.

BK adjusted properly in 2012, and I have faith that he'll do so again.

or
3. Our run game sucks





Not saying it will suck (in fact I think it should be pretty good).

 

[greyhammer90]

or
3. Our run game sucks

If that happens God help us all.

That's my big "IF" on the season. If we come out and run over Texas, I'll feel better. But if we look like we did against Michigan last year in the run game it's going to be a loooong season. We will get destroyed by the better teams in that situation unless Zaire has become an exceptional passer.

 

[IrishLion]

I'm also not ruling out Zaire progressing big-time as a passer now that he'll be hogging the reps.

It's just clear that being a ground threat is his bread-and-butter, and I think BK's playcalling will capitalize on that. At least, I hope.

 

[ACamp1900]

If that happens God help us all.

That's my big "IF" on the season. If we come out and run over Texas, I'll feel better. But if we look like we did against Michigan last year in the run game it's going to be a loooong season. We will get destroyed by the better teams in that situation unless Zaire has become an exceptional passer.

You shouldn't worry about that, no matter what the run game does, Kelly will surely abandon it anyhow...

 

[wizards8507]

You shouldn't worry about that, no matter what the run game does, Kelly will surely abandon it anyhow...

No italics.

 

[Luckylucci]

I have no concerns about the run game on our end. The concern I have is what defenses will start to do if Malik can't beat them over the top consistently. Spring gave me more confidence that he can/will be able to do it but not enough for me to sit back with ease.

We can't have him run as much as he did versus LSU and the fact that people use that as a measuring stick spells trouble to me. It was a singular game plan, not a recepeit for long term success.

 

[wizards8507]

We can't have him run as much as he did versus LSU and the fact that people use that as a measuring stick spells trouble to me. It was a singular game plan, not a recepeit for long term success.

We shouldn't need him to. But if it's a strategy that needs to be deployed two or three times to get us past certain opponents, I don't see any reason why he'd be incapable of 20 carries.

 

[EuropeanDomer22]

You are not one of the "pie-in-the-sky" types I talked about earlier, you have a very special kind of Golson-dislike that is well documented. You said the crowd "reacted negatively" to Golson in the Rice game, wanted him benched for the season after the 1st quarter of the ASU game, and has since Golson's transfer said that you and your wife always disliked the kid. I have no doubt that you will not be one of the people who will give Zaire as hard of a time as Golson should he not pan out, because its hard for me to imagine.

Anyone who says that Golson NEVER looked like he "gave a shit" is being disingenuous or delusional. He took the team to a national championship game, came back from a suspension when most talented QBs would've walked, got his degree, led more than a few come-from-behind victories, took full responsibility for his struggles in the second half of the year and said that "I need to get better" and promised he would, etc. etc. etc. it goes on and on. Apparently he should've chest bumped a guy in a spring game two years ago because that would've gotten the people going.

Zaire has talked about how much he wanted to play, and that's pretty much it. If he struggles, the same people who are saying how much personality he has are going to be the first to say "all he cares about is himself, you can see it in all the interviews."

Please just give the kid a season to struggle before we anoint him or damn him. That's all I'm saying.

He did not lead the team to a NC. That team almost lost two games because of him. Until the Oklahoma game, he was being a disaster. Then he improved but he did not lead a team by himself, not even close.

The come-from-behind victories (there are also some games where he failed on decisive drives) were mostly on games where he sucked until the winner drive. Against Stanford in 2012, we saw a goal line stand to win the game because of his constant errors, and that was not the only game.

You are praising Golson because he take full responsibility for his struggles. He was fumbling the ball every time he was touched. What's supposed to do? Blame his teammates?.. Did you see the post-game conference against ASU?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6quP6QioaV4

"I do not know what else to do" Kelly talking about Golson's issues. That's so brutal. A coaching staff who did not know what to do with his QB.

He has had an "ups and downs" career. He did great things but also was counterproductive at times. He has all the talent of the world, though (in fact i think he is a more talented QB than Zaire).

I do not know why you are so upset with the guys who are hyping Zaire, and yeah the same guys will kill Zaire if he plays bad so what? It's the nature of sport.

 

[Ndaccountant]

I have no concerns about the run game on our end. The concern I have is what defenses will start to do if Malik can't beat them over the top consistently. Spring gave me more confidence that he can/will be able to do it but not enough for me to sit back with ease.

We can't have him run as much as he did versus LSU and the fact that people use that as a measuring stick spells trouble to me. It was a singular game plan, not a recepeit for long term success.

If that is the case, then you must go with tempo. Tempo and play action is even better. At that point, it doesn't matter what the defense wants to do to you defensively since the speed of the plays is what causes confusion.

Exhibit 1 - Marcus Mariota thru 13 games last year:
375 pass attempts:
- 52% were play action
- 49% of his throws were either behind the LOS or +9 yards
- Averaged roughly 4 pass attempts per game over 20 yards, or about 13% of throws
- Most importantly, due to play action, OL play and tempo, 85% of his passes were classified as "no pressure".

MM is a very good QB with a great skill set. But I really do believe that if MZ doesn't want to run it 20 times a game and we are worried about his imperfection as a passer, then tempo is the answer.

 

[Luckylucci]

If that is the case, then you must go with tempo. Tempo and play action is even better. At that point, it doesn't matter what the defense wants to do to you defensively since the speed of the plays is what causes confusion.

Exhibit 1 - Marcus Mariota thru 13 games last year:
375 pass attempts:
- 52% were play action
- 49% of his throws were either behind the LOS or +9 yards
- Averaged roughly 4 pass attempts per game over 20 yards, or about 13% of throws
- Most importantly, due to play action, OL play and tempo, 85% of his passes were classified as "no pressure".

MM is a very good QB with a great skill set. But I really do believe that if MZ doesn't want to run it 20 times a game and we are worried about his imperfection as a passer, then tempo is the answer.

I'm hoping that we do more zone read with pass options like Oregon does. A lot of their big/chunk plays in the pass game come from those plays. They catch so many CB's/S's creeping up that they'll get uncovered WR's downfield.

 

[wizards8507]

I'm hoping that we do more zone read with pass options like Oregon does. A lot of their big/chunk plays in the pass game come from those plays. They catch so many CB's/S's creeping up that they'll get uncovered WR's downfield.

But that requires that the QB running the football is a viable, credible part of your down-to-down offense. About ten posts ago you said you don't want MZ carrying the ball like he did against LSU.

 

[Luckylucci]

But that requires that the QB running the football is a viable, credible part of your down-to-down offense. About ten posts ago you said you don't want MZ carrying the ball like he did against LSU.

There is a huge difference, over the course of a 12 game season, between 22 carries and 10-12 like MM did for Oregon.


Side note, I never said he shouldn't run at all.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

More summer interwebs fun!

 

[phork]

Zaire Express to the National Championship game. Book it.

 

[wizards8507]

There is a huge difference, over the course of a 12 game season, between 22 carries and 10-12 like MM did for Oregon.

MM is a beanpole. Malik gives up four inches on him and they still weigh the same.

Side note, I never said he shouldn't run at all.

Understood. But even Golson ran sometimes and I still wouldn't put too much emphasis on the QB keeper if I'm the opposing DC. I'm not suggesting Dak Prescott levels of carries, but 15 per game feels appropriate, assuming we blow out the teams we're supposed to blow out and can pull him with 4:00 left in the third quarter.

 

[greyhammer90]

If that is the case, then you must go with tempo. Tempo and play action is even better. At that point, it doesn't matter what the defense wants to do to you defensively since the speed of the plays is what causes confusion.

Exhibit 1 - Marcus Mariota thru 13 games last year:
375 pass attempts:
- 52% were play action
- 49% of his throws were either behind the LOS or +9 yards
- Averaged roughly 4 pass attempts per game over 20 yards, or about 13% of throws
- Most importantly, due to play action, OL play and tempo, 85% of his passes were classified as "no pressure".

MM is a very good QB with a great skill set. But I really do believe that if MZ doesn't want to run it 20 times a game and we are worried about his imperfection as a passer, then tempo is the answer.

Not saying you're wrong, but I'll believe BK is serious about running a tempo offense when I see it. We have enough trouble just getting the first play in without burning a timeout.

One potential problem: wouldn't tempo like that cause our defense to be out on the field more? Isn't this a bad thing with out lack of depth up-front?

 

[Luckylucci]

At this point I'm rather confused what point you are trying to make and why I'm involved. You are basically having a debate with yourself considering you haven't actually commented on what I was talking about.

 

[wizards8507]

At this point I'm rather confused what point you are trying to make and why I'm involved. You are basically having a debate with yourself considering you haven't actually commented on what I was talking about.

I think I misunderstood your original comment about Malik running the ball vis-a-vis the LSU game. I took you to mean that you didn't want Malik-as-a-runner to be a main part of the offense, but it sounds like you do want him to be significant contributor to the ground game, just not as significant of a contributor as he was against LSU. In other words, I think we agree.

 

[Luckylucci]

I think I misunderstood your original comment about Malik running the ball vis-a-vis the LSU game. I took you to mean that you didn't want Malik-as-a-runner to be a main part of the offense, but it sounds like you do want him to be significant contributor to the ground game, just not as significant of a contributor as he was against LSU. In other words, I think we agree.

Correct, I want him to use his best asset but also be fresh and healthy come Palo Alto.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Not saying you're wrong, but I'll believe BK is serious about running a tempo offense when I see it. We have enough trouble just getting the first play in without burning a timeout.

One potential problem: wouldn't tempo like that cause our defense to be out on the field more? Isn't this a bad thing with out lack of depth up-front?

Absolutely.

But it really boils down to what do you want your identity to be. If one of the ways to make your offense potent is tempo, you have to live with the consequences of exposing your D (yes, I meant to type it like that). On the other hand, if you go the opposite, you may allow teams to either hang around when they otherwise shouldn't and you live with close game or teams catch you off guard early and get out to a lead and you offense must catch up (and you live with close games).

When I look at this team, the offense should be a juggernaut. I would much rather put pressure on other teams by trying match us versus us being too conservative and risk being upset by someone who has a great game on offense.

Side note, with the CFP being more or less a popularity contest, the ability to steamroll a team becomes much more valuable IMO. I really don't see us being a team that will win lots of 31-10 games this year. However, winning 48-27 seems more reasonable to me with the occasional 51-17 peppered in if we play really well. I just don't think we can do that unless we commit ourselves to running a ND version of tempo.

 

[ulukinatme]

I'm also not ruling out Zaire progressing big-time as a passer now that he'll be hogging the reps.

It's just clear that being a ground threat is his bread-and-butter, and I think BK's playcalling will capitalize on that. At least, I hope.

I was hoping we'd focus on the OL and some talented, young backs in 2013 too when it was Tommy behind center, allowing us to use PA and screens once the defense crept up. That never really happened, but hopefully Sanford pushes BK and doesn't want to throw the ball 40 times a game.

 

[IrishLion]

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football, Basketball, and Recruiting Front Page

 

[IrishLion]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"He's going toe-to-toe w/ Hackenberg, Kessler. He's ripping them as good as anybody." <a href="https://twitter.com/TrentDilferESPN">@TrentDilferESPN</a> on Zaire to come on Irish Illustrated</p>— Anna Hickey (@AnnaHScout) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnaHScout/status/618243432251654144">July 7, 2015</a></blockquote>
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