Blue and Gold Illustrated

FAN FORUM with his extra point decision‑making. We have seen too many times his costly misguided decisions to go for two points at the wrong times and at the most crucial parts of the game. Prime example again was calling for two‑point conversion at 21‑9, when the offense had been struggling all game up to that point. Secondly, he had his extra point team out there than had to call a timeout because they were a player short. Thirdly, why kill momen‑ tum by trying for two points that early? Lastly, he said he didn't want to have to score two TDs in this weather and wanted a field goal and TD scenario. Last I looked, 11 vs. 10 is still a field goal and TD. Yes he still would have had to go for two, but he apparently didn't think Clemson was going to score again, let alone a field goal. By going for the one, we might have been saying this was one of the greatest comebacks in Notre Dame history and maybe seeing the beginning of another great comeback QB who handles pres‑ sure with ease. I understand that the team was mainly the cause for the loss, but a head coach must put his team in bet‑ ter positions when down and never chase points and panic so early. De‑ Shone Kizer and the offense should be applauded for being able to score three TDs in the fourth quarter in those extreme weather conditions. Too bad chasing points cost us a chance in over‑ time. Robert McCabe Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. Mr. McCabe, the two-point topic was such a popular subject matter that we wrote a feature on it in this edition. FROM THE WEBSITE Although fan message boards are generally not a pretty sight after a defeat, many Fighting Irish faithful chimed in on BlueandGold.com about how surprised they have been with sophomore quarterback DeShone Kizer's composure in the 24‑22 loss at Clemson, his first career road start. Here's a small sample among dozens: Irishjr: The kid has really exceeded all my expectations. When Malik Zaire went down in the Virginia game, I had a pit in my stomach thinking our whole season was completely lost … Kizer is really good and very poised. Remember, he was an "unknown" third stringer in the spring. Chamgel: I'm shocked by his poise in the pocket. If he continues to improve getting through his reads and seeing the field, and his accuracy continues to improve, we could be looking at a 4‑year starter. NDorBust: The way as a young guy he hangs in the pocket and doesn't bolt at the first chance is amazing to me. Kinda reminds me of Big Ben. Bjamin41: He is not the reason I'm hesitant to believe ND can run the table the rest of the way. I'm much more concerned about our DBs. QB play is the least of my concerns. Sagashark: No, I'm not surprised. The staff on the BlueandGold.com site was very complimentary of his passing ability and accuracy during fall camp, saying at times it looked better than Zaire's. Maybe his poise surprises me.

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