signal-caller demonstrated while
attempting to mount a comeback
most of the evening when every-
one knew the Irish had to pass.
"When you get opportunities
to play on the road and lead your
team back in the fourth quarter,
you gain more of an understand-
ing of a quarterback who's got to
make plays," head coach Brian
Kelly said. "We knew he was the
guy that could handle the mo-
ment, and he certainly was able
to do that.
"I thought he showed great
poise in the pocket, and I think
it just added on to the fact that
we've got a quarterback that can
help us win a championship."
While Kizer threw a few incom-
pletions on passes that were off
target due to poor throws in the
constant rainstorm, his receivers
did him no favors with six drops
on the evening. Junior wide re-
ceiver Corey Robinson dropped a
two-point conversion attempt as
well as a possible touchdown on
a deep heave by Kizer on the final
possession of the first half.
"A hundred percent," Kizer
replied when asked if he is sur-
prised by his poise at times. "I
don't look at myself saying, 'Wow,
you're some crazy, comfortable,
poised guy.' It's just a reaction; it's
natural.
"And I surprise myself all the
time, going back and understanding the situations and remembering how I
felt during the time. I'm kind of shocked that I didn't feel the nerves or the
emotions that I should have felt at the time."
UNDER THE DOME
Kizer produced 381 yards of total offense and three
touchdowns while nearly rallying the Irish from an
18‑point deficit in the fourth quarter at Clemson Oct. 3.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
