Notre Dame Football: What to Watch for from Irish's QBs in 2016 Spring Game

The much-discussed Notre Dame quarterback battle is approaching a milestone in the competition: the 2016 Blue-Gold Game.

While other storylines are important—like a new crop of wide receivers and a rebuilt defense—most observers will focus on DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire.

Head coach Brian Kelly certainly wants to protect both quarterbacks, but they'll shed the "no contact" label for at least a portion of the scrimmage.

"They run. That's what they do," Kelly said, per Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune. "That's the identity of our offense, that the quarterback is going to be a running threat as well. So you've got to let them run a little bit, too."

No one would fault Kelly for not subjecting the gunslingers to potentially unnecessary hits. Many programs whistle a play dead when the quarterback is about to get sacked or tackled on a scramble.

But the Irish are content to let Kizer and Zaire utilize their entire skill sets, which is good news for the viewers.

Kizer's accuracy—especially on deep passes—is a key potential point of separation. However, Zaire could help negate that difference by consistently hitting shorter routes and wisely using his speed when a play breaks down or a running lane opens.

Command at the line of scrimmage, confidence in the pocket, ability to remain poised while scrambling and overall decision-making are each important factors to watch. Each of those will be on display.

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Regardless of each player's performance, however, don't expect a resolution.

"I don't think we'll make a decision after spring," Kelly said, according to Zach Klonsinski of the Observer.

According to JJ Stankevitz of CSN Chicago, offensive coordinator Mike Sanford "said it's too early for any sweeping, big-picture conclusions to be made about either player."

With or without definitive conclusions, though, there will be expectations—and reactions. How well the quarterbacks execute during the spring game will shape the narrative of the competition throughout the coming months and briefly into fall camp.

Right now, the pro-Kizer view notes his experience and production, while the pro-Zaire outlook highlights a player who has already won the competition.

What if Kizer struggles with his accuracy and Zaire shines?

Then the veteran would take an important step toward reclaiming his spot, and the sophomore would have to hold off the junior. After all, Zaire merely surrendered the starting position due to injury. He did that while still recovering, so just imagine Zaire's potential when he's healthy.

Conversely, what if Zaire comparatively trudges through live action?

Well, that would not a surprise, since Kizer entered the starting lineup and immediately excelled, nearly taking Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff as a redshirt freshman. We haven't seen that from Zaire; we're merely opining that he's capable of it.

It seems Kizer has more pressure to excel because Zaire has a built-in excuse—not that he'll point to his recovery from a broken ankle as an issue, but others would (and that's not a bad thing).

Both players will likely put together respectable outings, perhaps reminding viewers that a starting job is never won or lost during the spring game.

Should that not happen, though, this offseason milestone will linger as evidence in a lengthy competition.

Stats from CFBStats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.