Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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such as Vince Young, Tim Tebow and Cam Newton, or even smaller ones like Johnny Manziel, have created more dynamic dual threats in the col‑ lege game. Hence, the other playmak‑ ers at running back or receiver want to play with them. "You've got kids that want to be on the offensive side of the ball, some of the great athletes in the country, and so you have a proliferation of talent on the offensive side of the ball," Kelly said. "You have quarterbacks that are mobile and keep plays alive. "You don't have traditional pocket quarterbacks that just drop back and you know where they are going to be. These guys are making plays that are hard to defend. You may defend them for three seconds — and then they are making plays. "The quarterback is also running today, and that has changed the com‑ plexion of the game … played so fast, defense not being able to huddle and get their communication system — I could go on and on and on. That is all part of the rise in scoring, and we've got to be part of that." Once upon a time, reaching 30 points per game was the gold stan‑ dard. During Parseghian's first season in 1964 with Heisman Trophy win‑ ner John Huarte at quarterback, Notre Dame finished third in the country in scoring with a then explosive 28.7 points per game. Last year, Notre Dame averaged what is now considered a mere 27.2 points per contest — ranking it 74th nationally, not even in the top half. This year, Kelly believes he has a confluence of every piece on offense — mobile, dual‑threat quarterbacks, six linemen with starting experience and a host of skill‑position players with different skill sets (although se‑ nior wide receiver DaVaris Daniels' possible loss could be a setback) — to finally reach 30 points per game (or even well beyond) for the first time in his five seasons. With what is perceived as a rebuild‑ ing defense, he might have to. Kelly also believes that with sig‑ nal‑callers Everett Golson and Malik Zaire, an up‑tempo pace should be in the cards and the offense does not have to re‑package itself to accom‑ modate a different man at the throttle. "We are better suited to do it than any time since I've been here, there's no question about it," Kelly said. "Both quarterbacks fit the style that I like to run. "There are no excuses. These are the kind of quarterbacks that are able to run the kind of offense that allows you to go fast, and you don't have to change plays on the line of scrim‑ mage — don't have to block that guy because I don't think you can tackle that quarterback." It is expected to be a year where Kelly doesn't expect to be defensive about his offense. ✦ "THERE ARE NO EXCUSES. THESE ARE THE KIND OF QUARTERBACKS THAT ARE ABLE TO RUN THE KIND OF OFFENSE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GO FAST." KELLY