Spring Game Shows Notre Dame QB Decision Will Not Make or Break 2015 Season

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — From the moment the gates opened and the whistles blew, much of the focus was on Notre Dame football’s quarterback competition between Everett Golson and Malik Zaire on Saturday during the Blue-Gold Game.

Going into the spring finale, we already knew the battle would likely not be decided until the fall. And after watching two full, live quarters of play between the signal-callers, who alternated possessions, it sure seems Notre Dame will be able to adapt whichever way the competition heads.

“They both competed at a high level in the first half, and I think we all say they’re all capable of playing championship football,” Irish head coach Brian Kelly said. “Both Everett and Malik played well, did very good things.”

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No, they weren’t perfect. Golson finished 7-of-15 for 83 yards, while Zaire completed eight of 14 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns, including a perfectly lofted 68-yard strike to junior speedster Will Fuller.

There were, however, encouraging signs from their individual play.

On Notre Dame’s third drive, Golson, while on the move outside the pocket, drilled an accurate third-down throw to Corey Robinson. Three possessions later, Golson stood in the pocket amid a roughing-the-passer call and delivered a 22-yard completion over the middle to Corey Holmes—again on third down.

Zaire, meanwhile, flashed with his feet, eluding Jay Hayes and Matthias Farley on a pair of runs on his first drive in the first quarter. Zaire’s long heave then fell perfectly into Fuller’s mitts.

“The decisions they made were excellent, so really pleased with them in the first half,” Kelly said.

And while both are far from finished products and both certainly have their flaws (both quarterbacks lobbed a few fluttering throws, with and without pressure), the encouraging signs around them, too, indicate Notre Dame can adapt and succeed with either quarterback.

All of a sudden, Notre Dame has a three-pronged rushing attack to trot out behind a strong offensive line. C.J. Prosise continues to draw rave reviews from Kelly for his work at running back.

“He’s a guy that you’re going to fear,” Kelly said. “When you turn on the film, you’re going to look at him and go, ‘He scares me.’”

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Asked if he has a preference between running back and wide receiver, Prosise said he has really enjoyed taking handoffs. Prosise piled up 64 rushing yards on 12 carries to lead the running backs. Tarean Folston carried nine times for 24 yards, and Greg Bryant added 36 yards on nine rushes of his own.

Regarding Prosise’s immediate future, Kelly said the slot receiver slash running back will get every opportunity to take over a starting position.

“I’m not going to paint him into any particular position or category,” Kelly said. “If he’s the best running back, he’s going to start. If he’s the best wide receiver, he’s going to start. It’s our job to get the best 11 players on the field. And right now it’s hard to make the case that he’s not one of the best 11.”

As a team, Notre Dame attempted 37 passes and logged 55 rushes, averaging 3.6 yards per attempt. Kelly said afterward it’s clear the Irish have a good offensive line. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley, center Nick Martin, right guard Steve Elmer and right tackle Mike McGlinchey are penciled into the first unit, while redshirt freshmen Alex Bars and Quenton Nelson are both expected to play at left guard.

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“They're going to be able to control the line of scrimmage in most instances, and we'll continue to go to our strength, which we believe is up front,” Kelly said.

So with a promising running game and mobile quarterbacks, the Irish offense appears stable. Turnovers, of course, can quickly wreak havoc, something the Irish avoided for the most part Saturday. Moving forward, Kelly said he wants to continue to develop Golson’s game management, including ball security, and his comfort running the read option. Consistency, on the other hand, is the operative word for Zaire.

“He does some things so well, and then there'll be a couple things that are not consistent,” Kelly said. “He'll do it so well in the same play, then there's a drop-off. So we think that's more concentration; that's just more focus and just working on those things with him.”

There are still 140 days until Notre Dame kicks off in prime time against Texas in the season opener. The roster is yet to be finalized. Summer OTAs and fall practice provide more opportunities for growth and depth-chart movement.

That development at the quarterback position is still vital. Sloppy play and turnovers can quickly derail games. But with an encouraging ground attack and two capable quarterbacks, the Irish prospects are promising.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Mike Monaco is a lead Notre Dame writer for Bleacher Report. Follow @MikeMonaco_ on Twitter.