Notre Dame football: Kelly’s quarterback decision has benefits

Brian Kelly’s quarterback decision turned out to be to not make one. Find out why the delay in his decision could have benefits for the Irish.

As the old saying goes “If you have two quarterbacks, you really have no quarterbacks,” but Brian Kelly’s decision to play both Malik Zaire and Deshone Kizer in the season opener versus Texas could have its benefits for the Irish.

On Wednesday, Kelly announced both quarterbacks would see playing time in Austin on Sept. 4. Kelly cited the play-making abilities of the two quarterbacks as the reason for the decision:

Brian Kelly on QBs: "These 2 guys are too good. I'm just watching them in practice every day & they're making plays.” 2 INT in 257 camp reps
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) August 17, 2016

Kelly also asserted his decision will allow both Zaire and Kizer to forget about each other. Instead, the quarterbacks can each focus on their individual games:

Brian Kelly on #NotreDame QBs: "Now they can settle into getting better every day. They don’t have to worry about a competition."
— Brian Hamilton (@_Brian_Hamilton) August 17, 2016

This explanation by Kelly seems a little bit off. Even given the news of Zaire and Kizer getting an opportunity, the likelihood that both will rotate throughout the rest of the season seems low. What it seems Kelly is doing is simply extending the competition to include game competition. This actually could be positive for the team going forward.

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The Irish face Texas on the road in week one before heading home to face Nevada in week two. Both are games the Irish should win. With the way the offensive line is constructed and the plethora of talented running backs Kelly has at his disposal, the Irish should be able to move the football, regardless of who plays quarterback.

It is likely that Kelly will make a more definitive statement on who will lead the team at a later date. When that time comes, he will be able to make a more informed decision. Thus far, there has been no indication that either quarterback has stood out above the other.

Brian Kelly says there hasn't been any separation between how well DeShone Kizer & Malik Zaire have run the offense so far. #NotreDame
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) August 11, 2016

Kelly’s decision to play both quarterbacks will allow him to see how both perform in game competition. Try as they might, teams (even teams who use robots as pass rushers) cannot simulate the pressures of game situations. Allowing both quarterbacks

Sep 12, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly (R) talks to Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire (8) during warm-ups prior to Fighting Irish

to play against Texas will give Kelly an accurate barometer on which to judge them.

To this point, each quarterback has been competing against the other against various defenders and with various teammates. They have yet to play against a defense that has a game plan designed to limit their effectiveness. There are a number of variables that fall camp simply cannot account for to get an accurate read on either quarterback.

In addition, a two-quarterback system may be effective in throwing off their first opponent, the Longhorns from Texas. Charlie Strong and his team have had months to prepare for Notre Dame, and given the thrashing they took in South Bend last season, they will be looking to take revenge against the Irish. The extra wrinkle of a dual quarterback system may be enough to neutralize Texas’s defensive game plan.

History says that a dual quarterback system doesn’t work. However, Kelly has not indicated that this quarterback decision (or lack thereof) is permanent. In fact, conventional wisdom has been wrong before. Kelly has constantly demonstrated his ability to put his players in situations where they can succeed. He will find a way to do so for each of his quarterbacks.

Next: Brian Kelly says Kizer and Zaire will play against Texas

If anything, it is an opportunity to level the playing field for the two competing for the starting job. In the end, Kelly will have an opportunity to make the most informed decision for the team, and that is what is most important in this situation.