Malik Zaire, a former Notre Dame quarterback, ignited a pre-national championship game firestorm with his scathing critique of Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, questioning Howard’s ability to lead the Buckeyes to victory against the Fighting Irish. Zaire’s comments, delivered via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), dismissed Howard as the “worst” quarterback Ohio State has fielded in the past 15 years, despite Howard’s instrumental role in the Buckeyes’ playoff semifinal victory over the Texas Longhorns. This win, featuring Howard’s impressive 289 passing yards and a touchdown, seemingly did little to sway Zaire’s conviction. He even went so far as to suggest he’d prefer former Buckeye wide receiver Jalin Marshall, who never played quarterback, under center over Howard.
Zaire’s critique extended beyond Howard’s individual performance, encompassing a broader comparison of Ohio State’s and Notre Dame’s seasons. He argued that Ohio State’s home loss to Michigan, their fourth consecutive defeat in the rivalry, was a more significant blemish than Notre Dame’s early-season upset by Northern Illinois. Zaire highlighted the humiliating aspects of Ohio State’s loss – the 20+ point spread they failed to cover, the Michigan flag planted on their field, and the alleged post-game altercation – to underscore his point. He implied that Ohio State fans had no grounds to criticize Notre Dame given their own team’s struggles.
The context of Zaire’s comments adds another layer to the narrative. He played quarterback for Notre Dame from 2014 to 2016, experiencing both the highs and lows of college football. His perspective, shaped by his time with the Fighting Irish, likely contributes to his impassioned defense of his former team and his critical assessment of their upcoming opponent. The upcoming national championship game holds significant weight for both programs, with Notre Dame seeking its first title in the College Football Playoff era and Ohio State aiming to reassert its dominance after a challenging season.
Zaire’s provocative statements have undoubtedly added fuel to the rivalry and heightened the anticipation for the championship clash. His dismissal of Howard’s capabilities serves as a stark contrast to Howard’s impressive statistical performance this season, which includes 3,779 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. Howard’s journey from Kansas State to Ohio State adds another intriguing dimension to the narrative. He has seemingly defied expectations and established himself as a key player for the Buckeyes, despite facing initial skepticism.
The national championship game presents a compelling contrast in quarterback narratives. Howard, the transfer quarterback who has proven his worth through impressive on-field performances, stands against the backdrop of Zaire’s critical commentary. The game will ultimately determine whether Howard can continue to defy expectations and lead Ohio State to victory or if Zaire’s doubts will be validated. The high stakes of the championship game, combined with the pre-game controversy, promise a captivating showdown.
The clash between Notre Dame and Ohio State transcends the individual quarterback matchup. Both teams boast formidable defenses and potent offenses capable of explosive plays. Notre Dame’s narrow semifinal victory against Penn State demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Ohio State’s triumph over Texas, despite facing a tough opponent, showcased their offensive firepower and Howard’s leadership. The championship game will be a test of both teams’ strengths and a stage for these contrasting narratives to unfold.
