Two QB's Pros & Cons

It is often said that “If you have two quarterbacks you have none.  Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of using two-quarterbacks, especially how it pertains to Notre Dame’s current situation

PROS

• Keeps defensive coordinators on their heels.  Maybe not so much in this case as both Kizer and Zaire have similar styles so the overall offensive scheme won’t change much.
• Keeps fresh legs (and arms) on the field.
• Defensive backs and linebackers trying to work on timing and especially in this case where one is left handed and one is right handed, so one will be rolling more right and one will be rolling more left.

CONS

• Timing with the line (cadence), handoffs to running backs and with receivers.
• QB’s can’t get into a rhythm if they are alternating series’.
• Passing and catching the ball where in this case where one is left handed and one is right handed the rotation of the ball will be reversed for each QB.
• Overall I’m not a big fan of a two quarterback system, mostly because it never seems to really work out.  It may in certain games or game situations but as a total process for a season teams usually come up short. 

Answering the questions Part 2. Responding to John Heisler’s article Sunday Brunch: 20 Questions on Notre Dame Football 2016

11) Q: How will Notre Dame fare against its ACC foes in 2016?

A: We know the ACC is not the SEC but has made strides in improving their reputation on college football’s national landscape.  I think Duke and N.C. State may give the Irish some competition but as long as Kelly keeps the boys on task they should make it through the ACC undefeated.

12) Q: Can the Notre Dame defense, with two full years working under VanGorder, put things together on a more consistent basis this fall?

A: If they do I think it will be a combination of the payers stepping up and grasping the defense and VanGoder simplifying his schemes a bit.  Of course if the injury bug strikes again consistency may be its biggest casualty.

13) Q: Can Notre Dame's rebuilt line backing corps come anywhere near the numerical productivity of the Jaylon Smith years?

A: Jaylon is a very rare player and it’s not fair to draw comparisons.  If the defensive line is as good as advertised the linebackers should have an easier path than last year’s linebackers.  No one needs to be great but they all need to be good to be successful.

14) Q: Can Notre Dame's defensive front this fall be one of the strong points of the depth chart?

A: It should be one of the strong points of the team, as far as its depth that’s another story.  There is without a doubt potential along with some flashes of excellence from those who will be second string and rotation players.  So yes it can be but it is a ways of from being a sure thing.

15) Q: How well will the Irish secondary stand up in 2016 with a bare minimum of returnees with extensive game experience?

A:  The loss of Max Redfield did not help.  Well, if they’re not young they unproven.  The one big positive here is they are athletic and that can go a long way in those positions.

16) Q: What will that coaching continuity mean for the Irish in 2016?

A: This should only help. Kelly has rebuilt his coaching staff with top notch talent now it is time to show results.

17) Q: Can (C.J.) Sanders continue his all-purpose contributions in 2016 as well as make Irish fans stand up in anticipation every time he's back to return a punt or kickoff?

A: Not to be too pessimistic but prior to last season the return game was less then pitiful and realistically last year probably looked better than it was because of that so Sanders will probably do well but it won’t be the second coming of the Rocket.

18) Q: Can the Irish play at that elite level again in 2016?  (referring to Notre Dame’s play against Clemson and Stanford).

A: The players are there to make the plays to say yes.  The team needs to come together to have the confidence and a little bit of swagger to raise themselves to that level.

19) Q: What's in the postseason future for the Irish?

A: It seems as if Notre Dame make a mid-level bowl we do well, when we go to a major bowl we get spanked.  It almost seems to be a question of do we want (a season) to go to a mid-level bowl and win or go to a major bowl and lose.

20) Q: How strongly will Notre Dame's 2016 agenda ultimately rank?

A: It’s not how you start but how you finish.  Right now the schedule looks pretty respectable with some ranked teams but if they finish poorly and have losing records at the end of the season the Irish will have had a week looking schedule. I think it will look as tough at the end of 2016 as it looks now.  Some teams will finish better and some will finish worse than predicted. 

Answering the questions Part 1. Responding to John Heisler’s article Sunday Brunch: 20 Questions on Notre Dame Football 2016

1)      Q: Without the same sort of star power as a year ago, does Notre Dame have the makings of a CFP team for 2016?

A: Hopefully.  Star power recycles itself each season.  The Irish will have new stars that will shine for the first time this season i.e. Kevin Stepherson as well as having ones who may have dimmed shine again i.e. Jarron Jones.

2)      Q: Can the Irish in 2016 fill all those blanks and be as productive across the board as the Irish were last fall? (referring to players gone from last season)

A: Often productivity does not have a direct connection to individual talent.  Man for man there may not be as much established talent on the field when Notre Dame faces Texas on Sunday but I think overall they can be as if not more productive.

3)      Q: What does the future hold at quarterback for Notre Dame?

A: I have no idea however I do believe it will be good.  In addition to Kizer and Zaire Brian Kelly is lining up talent at the signal caller position for the foreseeable future with Wimbush and Phil Jurkovec.

4)      Q: Can the Irish be a consistently very good (if not great) running team?

A: More than anything it will depend on the offensive line which has the potential to be very good.  The Irish have two proven running backs in Folston and Adams.  The key here is consistently, if everyone stays healthy then yes.

5)      Q: Can Harry Hiestand put together an offensive line capable of allowing the Irish offense to prosper once again?

A: Hiestnad has done a great job moving Notre Dame from a rebuilding to a reloading situation in South Bend.  Between the talent, versatility and depth I think the Irish should be one of the best lines in the country.

6)      Q: Given how long it's been since these individuals played in live football games, is it realistic to expect all of them to hit the ground running (literally) when the 2016 season begins in Austin? (referring to players out last season due to injury).

A: No of course not.  However starting the season with Texas and Nevada gives the Irish an opportunity to rotate these players in a little bit more conservatively than needed.

7)      Q: What's the next step for Notre Dame's passing game?

A: First Kelly will have to settle on one quarterback.  Only then will receiver spate from the herd ass top pass catchers.  I do think it is a youth movement with so many freshman and sophomore potential leaders.

8)      Q:  Can a less-experienced-than-usual list of tight end candidates fill the bill for the Irish in 2016?

A: None of the current tight ends have to be an All American for the Irish to win this year, however they do need to play well and do their jobs.  I feel that the current group of tight ends are up to the task.

9)      Q: Is there a team in the country with two more competent and yet unsung players in the kicking game?

A: Probably not and that’s sung or unsung, but how many kicker and or punters do you know on any team besides the team you root for?  Ours are good, real good.

10)  Q: What will be the ultimate identity of the Notre Dame offensive unit in 2016--and how will that identity be impacted if both Malik Zaire and DeShone Kizer are consistent factors week to week at quarterback?

A: Ultimately the identity will be formed behind the play of the offensive line no matter who is throwing or running the ball.  With that being said it is important that whoever the starting QB is (even if it is both) the line must be in support and in sync with them. 

Brian Kelly Fall Preview Press Conference August 5 Notes

Kelly talked about the importance of the use of sports science keeping players healthy and on the field.

In terms of receivers Torii Hunter Jr. may move around a bit this year.  Of course he mentioned a number of players who could see the field this year but did say several in particular will have to step up this year, specifically; C.J. Sanders, Cory Holmes, Equanimeous St. Brown and Miles Boykin.

When asked bout which freshmen have impressed him so far in OTA's and behind the scenes Kelly highlighted Tommy Kraemer and said that in terms of players seeing the field this year as true freshmen that would come in the form of corners and safeties.

Kelly was happy that Alize Jones took accountability for his academic issues.  Although he won't play football this season he will remain and practice with the team.

Brian Kelly said that because the Irish have no conference title to play for their goal is to be one of the four teams selected to be in the college football playoffs.

In regards to his timeline to name a starting quarterback Kelly said that he and his staff had no timeline.  He seemed to hint that spring was an opportunity for Zaire to catch up.

When asked Kelly spoke highly of Mike McGlinchey.

When addressing the defensive line "It's Cage, Tillery and Jones. Those three guys right away." along with some rotations with 3-5 guys.  With rotation and Jarron Jones coming back after an injury Kelly expects Jones to tae 20-30 snaps per game.

On who will have a break out year (and the answer could not be Torii Hinter Jr.), Kelly said there won't be one player but several; Josh Adams, Tarean Folston, Dexter Williams and Equanimeous St. Brown could all do big things.

Kelly said the office would look very similar no mater whether Ziare or Kizer are in at quarterback, to would be seamless.

Nyles Morgan WILL BE the starting middle linebacker.   Kelly seemed very confident in his abilities.  Who will be second string is still a big and important question.

Kelly said it is important that the defense stop giving up big plays.

Shaun Crawford will play where he is needed corner or safety.

Donte Vaughn is listed as a safety, but he is unequivocally a corner.

On Brandon Wimbush; "We were committed to not playing him this year and saving a year and that was the plan. So there's no frustration on anybody's part. He'll be able to compete for the starting job next year."

About punting and kicking; to no one's surprise after the Blue Gold Game Kelly is happy with the punting game.  As for the kicking game there will be a new holder this year.  (Kizer was the holder)

The kick return position is an open competition.

Unexpected leadership; James Onwaulu, Cole Luke, and Mike McGlinchey.

As the day went on the press kept asking about picking a starting quarterback just in different ways and Kelly never took the bait.

Great depth at tight end; Smythe, Weishar, Luatua and Matuska.

Injuries Justin Brent is out for camp, six weeks away from returning from injuries, Devin Butler is stillout with a broken foot and Nick Watkins is not 100% but is participating fully.

Grant Blankenship is not on the roster and is looking for a transfer.

At right guard as for freshmen involvement; Tommy Kramer would be involved and maybe Tristen Hoge

Sam Mustipher looks to be the starting center, Alex Bars will be at the right tackle, but it sounds like there will be competition to rotate guys in.  Kelly spoke high of Harrell being able to play every position along the line.

More quarterback questions, maybe playing both Zaire and Kizer again and again.  Kelly says everything is on the table looking at all options.

On the relationship with Bleacher Report; "This gives us a unique relationship that nobody else has in college football."  Kelly thinks this is a big plus in recruiting as well.

A Preseason Take

This is the time of year that all the pre-season college football publications come out, with team synopses', player reviews, and rankings.  Most of these dedicate one page to each team along with others containing pieces on position rankings and player and game rankings.  We will sift through s few of these and share the Notre Dame highlights so you don't have to.

We'll start with the Athlon Sports College Football 2016 Preview which has the Irish ranked 8th overall in their preseason poll.

As part of their publication Athlon ranks teams by units and the Irish appeal on several of lists.  #4 of top quarterback units and with physical talents like Kizer and Zaire it's no surprise.  #18 of top running back units, with Folston returning, Josh Adam's impressive freshman year and Dexter Williams potential they could be ranked much higher at the end of the season.  #13 for top offensive lines, which is pretty impressive considering that some starting spots are not even secured yet.  That speaks to the depth across the line.  #21 for top defensive lines which is accurate if Jarron Jones stays healthy and a little low if the second string guys step up.

Of all the incoming freshmen to South Bend here are their top ten #1 OT Tommy Kraemer, #2 OT Liam Eichenberg, #3 WR Javon McKinley, #4 DE Daelin Hayes (early enrollee), #5 WR Chase Claypool, #6 DL Khalid Kareem (early enrollee) , #7 CB Troy Pride, #8 DE Julian Okwara, #9 DB Donte Vaughn & #10 RB Tony Jones. 

Their overall evaluations covered;

Offense; How to handle the quarterback situation, the running back situations in good hands and the receiver position is deep with talent.  The Irish are young but deep at the receiver position.

Defense; the loses at linebacker leave a lot of question marks.  The strength on this side of the ball is defiantly the line.

Special Teams; solid in placekicking and punting.

Analysis; With Kelly's contract set, depth improved and a forgiving schedule a 10 win season is attainable.

Blue Gold Game - What to look for.

Spring games are traditionally tame, played safe and only offer very small glimpses  of what might be in the fall.  If the offense looks good does that mean the defense is bad and if the defense looks good does that mean the offense is bad.  Probably not.  Watching spring games you hope to see individual accomplishments and NO injuries.  The Blue Gold game is not different.

Below is a list of Irish players that we think you should keep an extra eye on Saturday.

Linebacker Josh Barajas.  Coming out of high school Barajas had a huge upside and he may need to have a big year to help Notre Dame's inexperienced linebacker corps.

Defensive Lineman Grant Blankenship.  The Irish are in need of a number one pass-rusher on the defensive line.  There are some very good athletes along the D-line but a pass rush specialist is lacking, Blankenship could be that missing piece.

Tight End Alize Jones.  Jones came to South bend as a tight end but has looked a bit more like a straight receiver.  There is little question about Jones's talent and potential the question is where will he line up, especially with many questions at the tight end position.

Center Sam Mustipher.  It's not so much as to watch Mustipher as an offensive linemen but as the starting center.  Without a smooth initial exchange the offense is in trouble at the start.

Safety Max Redfield.  Redfield can to the Irish as a Five-Star recruit and has shown hints of greatness but his is the year we need to see consistency.

Wide Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown.  Brian Kelly has been high on this kid for a year now, his size is very good and their just seems to be something about him.

Running Back Dexter Williams.  Williams was the odd man out last year when Josh Adams got the majority of carries between the two freshman.  I can very curious to see if he will fit in this season.

Honorable mention (keep a second eye on); Jay Hayes Corey Holmes, Martini Greer, Nyles Morgan, Pretty much any and all linebackers).

Players coming back from injuries also need to be watched highlighted by Jarron Jones, Tarean Folston, Drue Tranquill, Alex Bars and Malik Zaire.

2015 Opponent Review

Record 10 Wins and 2 Losses

Let's look at the season by the schedule of opponents.  NOTE: Rankings are at time of games played.

 

Win 38-3 vs. Texas (5-7) Notable wins; #10 Oklahoma and # 12 Baylor.  Notable loss; three point loss to #24 Oklahoma State.

Win 34-27 vs. Virginia (4-8) Notable win over Duke. Notable loss; nine point loss to #9 Notre Dame.

Win 30-22 vs. #14 Georgia Tech (3-9) Notable win over #9 Florida State.  Notable loss;  seven point loss to North Carolina.

Win 62-27 vs. UMass (3-9) Notable win; none.  Notable loss; two point loss to Temple. 

Loss 24-22 vs. #12 / *#1 Clemson (13-0, 1st Place ACC - Atlantic, ACC Champions) Notable wins over 3 top 25 teams (#6 Notre Dame, #16 Florida State and #10 North Carolina. Notable loss; None. 

Win 41-24 vs. *#21 Navy (10-2, 1st Place American Athletic Conference - West) Notable win; 45-20 over #13 Memphis.  Notable loss; none.  

Win 41-31 vs. *#25 USC (8-5, 1st Place Pac 12 - South) Notable wins; #3 Utah and #22 UCLA.  Notable loss; none. 

Win 24-20 vs. #21 / *#24 Temple (10-3, 1st Place American Athletic East) Notable win; #21 Memphis.  Notable loss; 4 point loss to Notre Dame.

Win 42-30 vs. Pittsburgh (8-4) Notable Win; *13 Duke.  Notable loss; Iowa. 

Win 28-7 vs. Wake Forest (3-9) Notable win; none.  Notable loss; 6 point loss to *13 Duke.

Win 19-16 vs. Boston College (3-9) Notable win; none.  Notable loss; 3 point loss to Notre Dame.

Loss 38-36 vs. Stanford (11-2, 1sr Place Pac 12 North).  Notable wins; #6 USC, #18 UCLA, #6 Notre Dame.  Notable loss; None.