Malik Zaire Named Starting QB for Notre Dame vs. LSU

After a disappointing end to the 2014 regular season, Notre Dame will look to sophomore Malik Zaire to lead the Fighting Irish in the Music City Bowl against LSU.    

Andrew Owens of Blue & Gold Illustrated passed along the news of the decision to start Zaire over Everett Golson:

Irish coach Brian Kelly offered more on the change under center, via Brian Hartnett of The Observer:

Zaire has not played much during his tenure with Notre Dame. He finished 9-of-20 with 170 passing yards, 18 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground against USC. That performance came after Golson had no touchdowns, one interception and negative-14 rushing yards in the finale.

Josh Norris of NBC Sports provided his take on what the move might mean for Golson:

Going against a tough LSU defense that ranks third in the country in points allowed per game (16.4), Zaire will be tested early in the Music City Bowl. Golson's experience might eventually help the Irish if he is given playing time, as Kelly announced he would.

Losing four out of the last five games after a strong start, it was clear change might be necessary. With Zaire now given his chance to lead the Irish, how he performs now might reveal what direction the program heads in the future.

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