Notre Dame to play Malik Zaire and DeShone Kizer: First thoughts from a fan

First thoughts from a fan after Kelly made his decision to play both Malik Zaire and DeShone Kizer against Texas.

What’s the best way to decide what quarterback will play best? How about putting them both in the game!? For Brian Kelly, that means putting in both his top notch QBs. All summer, we have been waiting to hear who will be under center against Texas, and the wait is no longer! Unfortunately for Irish fans, this isn’t the answer you were hoping for.

Playing a two-quarterback system is dangerous, we all know that, but this doesn’t seem to be Kelly’s intent. “I’m focused strictly on how we bet Texas, and we’re best prepared to beat Texas by playing both DeShone and Malik,” he said at a press conference Wednesday.

You will get the best look at each QB by playing them in a game. Yes, in camp you can see their skill set and how they have improved over the offseason, but you simply can not simulate a pure game day atmosphere or situation.

What does this mean against Texas?

This sets up the Irish very well for Texas. It’s the beginning of the season. You can watch all the film you want, study all the numbers and do all the research, but once it’s time for the opening kickoff, no one knows what’s in store. The greatest factor in sports is the X-factor, and for the Irish in week one that’ll be Kizer and Zaire.

Texas will not only have to prepare for one Maxwell Award watch list player, but two of them. Kelly is focused on how to beat Texas, but he never said this is his plan for the entire season. The more I look at this decision, the more I like it. Looking to win games, Kelly is going with what will give him the greatest advantage possible in week one. After week one is done, maybe the Irish will have one go-to-guy, maybe not. Maybe a better way to defeat future opponents will come to light.

must read: Buy or Sell: Cole Luke will be an elite cornerback in 2016

Overall, Irish fans have to look at this the most optimistic way possible. This was a tough decision for Kelly, but probably the safest and most reliable one. This decision will provide the most clarity on the QB position as well as increasing the chances of beating Texas and starting off the new season with a win.