Heading into the 2016 season opener on the road against Texas, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly remained firm on the idea of using two quarterbacks during the game. DeShone Kizer got the start for the Irish against the Longhorns, while Malik Zaire has to wait his turn. Kizer got the Irish off to a quick start right out of the gate, helping give Notre Dame an early 7-0 lead.
Kizer was just 1-for-2 on his opening series to the 2016 season, but the one completion was good for a 13-yard touchdown to give the Irish the first score of the game. Kizer found wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown one a first down inside the red zone after missing on a pass attempt to St. Brown on the first play of the game. Notre Dame’s opening drive was highlighted by a 54-yard run by running back Tarean Folston, putting Notre Dame just inside the red zone.
On Notre Dame’s second offensive series, Kelly gave Zaire his first chance to lead the offense this season. It was less productive with just one pass attempt falling incomplete after a pair of rushing attempts for Folston. Kizer returned on Notre Dame’s next offensive series and completed two passes for a total of seven yards before taking a sack on a third and 13, leading to a punt.
Keeping true to his word, Kelly continued to alternate quarterbacks by sending Zaire out for Notre Dame’s next offensive series, which continued as the first quarter came to a close.
So far there is no reason to suggest one quarterback is ultimately better than the other, although Kizer is responsible for the only touchdown drive so far (again, boosted by a big run by Folston). Will this continue for the entire game, or will Kelly settle on one guy at some point this evening?