Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire will be out for the 2015 season after suffering a fractured right ankle on Saturday against Virginia, according to ESPN's Brett McMurphy.
The Irish had a huge comeback win against the Cavaliers, when sophomore backup quarterback DeShone Kizer threw a 39-yard touchdown to Will Fuller with under a minute to play. The Irish won the game 34-27 after converting on a two-point conversion.
Zaire was projected to have a big year for the Irish, and their season is only going to get tougher without their star quarterback. Zaire earned the starting spot, when Everett Golson transferred to Florida State. Many expected Zaire to get the start even if Golson had stayed. Last season in the Music City Bowl against LSU, Zaire helped lift the Irish over the Tigers 31-28. In his first real start at quarterback he threw for 96 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 96 yards with a touchdown.
Zaire played well in his first start this season, beating Texas 38-3. Zaire was even in the Heisman discussion after his performance against the Longhorns, according to Steward Mandel of FOX Sports. Zaire threw for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns against Texas last week. The worry was about using him too much on the run and that is, ironically, how he wound up being injured. Zaire was hurt running up the middle and his ankle was rolled under a defender.
Kizer will have to lead this Irish team into a tough season, but there are still high hopes. Norte Dame plays Georgia Tech at home next week in a game that will feature a match up of two top-20 teams. Players like Fuller and C.J. Prosise will likely have to step up for the Irish offense if they wish to continue success. Notre Dame still has Clemson, USC, Temple, and Stanford on their schedule after the Yellow Jackets. The defense for Notre Dame had a let down Saturday giving up 27 points to Virginia. Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder will need to have his defense playing better next week and Kizer will likely have to have a remarkable season overall for the Irish to keep their National Championship dreams alive.
