Notre Dame's Kizer ramps up expectations for himself

Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer may not have extensive experience, but the sophomore won't lack confidence when the Fighting Irish visit Temple in Saturday's 8 p.m. matchup at Lincoln Financial Field.

Kizer was expected to be the backup for the No. 9 Fighting Irish, but starter Malik Zaire suffered a season-ending fractured right ankle during a 34-27 win at Virginia in the second game of the year.

Notre Dame's bye last week couldn't have come at a better time, according to Kizer. He had been running on fumes in his new role and said he needed a breather. Now Kizer said he is reenergized as Notre Dame (6-1) looks to remain in contention for one of the four College Football Playoff spots.

"I was in the position in the first half of the year where I was a replacement," Kizer said Wednesday in a conference call. "I was a guy who was able to manage a game and accomplish a mission in that sense."

His expectations for Notre Dame's final five regular-season games are much greater.

"Now I want to take it into the second half of the year and be the best quarterback in the nation every time I step on the field," he said. "Because I know that after evaluating the first half, that I have the ability to."

Kizer feels that No. 21 Temple (7-0) will certainly give him a challenge with its defensive schemes. The Owls are allowing 14.6 points per game, eighth nationally in scoring defense.

"They are very game-plan oriented," Kizer said. "They do a very good job."

The 6-foot-41/2, 230-pound Kizer was highly recruited out of Central Catholic in Toledo, Ohio. He didn't see action as a freshman and threw just one pass in relief during Notre Dame's season-opening, 38-3 win over Texas before jumping in the fire the next week against Virginia.

In that contest, Notre Dame was trailing, 27-26, when Kizer threw a game-winning, 39-yard touchdown to Roman Catholic product Will Fuller with 12 seconds left.

"He's a special quarterback," Temple coach Matt Rhule said of Kizer. "He has the ability to run. . . . He is tremendously accurate, and he has a big-time arm."

For the season, Kizer has completed 92 of 156 passes for 1,370 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He has rushed for 175 yards (3.2 avg.) and three touchdowns.

"He is real consistent, and he's not turning the ball over, so he is doing a real good job for us," Fuller said.

Kizer is looking for more. He is coming off a strong effort, a 41-31 win over Southern California in which he threw for 227 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

"Things are moving pretty fast for me throughout this whole season," Kizer said.

And now he feels he is up to speed and ready to reach a new gear.