Blue and Gold Illustrated

January 2014 Issue

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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murphy's Law dan murphy The quarterback Notre Dame gets back in January 2014 won't be the same one that walked off the Sun Life Stadium field 12 months earlier. The new one throws with his fingers wrapped around the laces, which reportedly makes his already speedy passes zip even more. He's heavier and more muscular, which should make him more durable in the running game. Kelly expects those physical upgrades to take a backseat to Golson's increased maturity this spring. He'll be in his fourth spring in 2014, one that Kelly expects will be more diligent in the classroom and on the field because of his 2013 tribulations. "I think we're going to get a better person and someone that's even more committed. He's going to be so much more committed to being a better student, more committed to everything that he does," Kelly said. "I think that he's going to be a better quarterback at Notre Dame. I can't see a scenario for him not being better at the quarterback position because of that." But anyone expecting Golson's return to be the elixir to all problems Notre Dame encountered during its 8-4 season this fall is suffering from a case of selective amnesia. It's impossible to guess how many of the 2013 losses Golson's presence could have turned into wins, but it's undoubtedly less than four. Notre Dame's offense posted almost identical numbers this season as it did a year ago when Golson was under center. The 2013 offense averaged 1.3 more points per game than a year ago. In 12 games with Golson at quarterback last year (he missed the BYU game with an injury) the Irish gained 4,597 yards. In 12 games with Tommy Rees at quarterback this season the Irish have gained 4,782 yards. Golson's completion percentage (58.8 percent) was five points higher than Rees' this year (53.7 percent). They both had a two-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio, with Rees throwing a little more than twice as many in each category. Golson will be bigger and stronger next fall, maybe even smarter. But will it be enough to make up for a full season off the field? By the time Golson takes the practice field again for the Irish, it will be almost a year since the last time he put on shoulder pads and strapped up his helmet. At least during a redshirt season quarterbacks can run a scout team offense and be around team meetings. It's impossible to think there won't be at least a little bit of rust he needs to shake off this spring, and again in the fall when he presumably will return to game speed. It's foolish to expect Golson to be better than the day he left on the day he returns. It's even more so to remember him as the offensive savior he has yet to prove he can be. What has changed? Maybe less than you think. ✦ Dan Murphy has been a writer for Blue & Gold Illustrated since August 2011. He can be reached at dmurphy@blueandgold.com

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