Malik Zaire on Ian Book, ACC Championship, and the 2020 Heisman

ByScotty Jenkins

7 min read

Malik Zaire on Ian Book, ACC Championship, and the 2020 Heisman

We caught up with former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire before this weekend's ACC Championship game between the unbeaten Fighting Irish and Clemson. In the rematch between two Top 5 teams, Malik thinks a Heisman moment will show itself for Ian Book or Trevor Lawrence.

Malik, though, certainly hopes Irish Eyes Are Smiling on Notre Dame's winningest Quarterback in his last few games of his college career.

As a recurring commentator on CBS, Malik also shared his thoughts on Buffalo's standout running back, James Patterson, and his favorite parts of covering college football in the Mid-American Conference.

There are some iconic names - including yours - to start at quarterback for Notre Dame. Where does Ian Book sit on your list of best Irish QBs in the last 20 years?

MZ: Yeah. I think if you just look at Ian's numbers and what he's done alone, it's not easy to do that at a level of Notre Dame quality. And so from that, you gotta put him in the realm of the top guys that come through Notre Dame. In my opinion, and on the outside looking in, the numbers obviously speak for themselves. But, you still want that mystique and that defining moment within your career. And I think this is a great way to end that journey that he's had so far with this weekend and hopefully heading into the playoffs, that he can cap off what has been such to a wonderful career for him at Notre Dame.

And, those games, even though there's two or three games left for him this season, it is pretty important that he does come out with a favorable victory (against Clemson). Not that him not being successful is going to take away from what he's achieved, but it is important that he solidifies that mystique (with a memorable finish).

You want to be the reason why this team comes through this weekend. And, he's put himself in a position where if he can cap that off... he'll really go down as one of the best to ever do it.

This weekend's ACC Championship is almost a play-in game for the CFB Playoff. So, are you sticking with the Fighting Irish in their second face-off with Clemson?

MZ: Well, I do think this is a playoff game. It just doesn't have the title to it. I thought the last game was a pre-playoff game for us and I'm expecting (Notre Dame) to win, obviously. But, I really want to see how that story ends for Ian, you know, I'm rooting for him. He's got everything in front of him, you know, at a position like that, a lot of times you don't get there because of just luck. So, if you get a chance to play 30 games and be healthy and have good teams around you and be in that position that he's been in, I mean, the only thing you can hope for is finishing strong on a high level like this.

So, I'm definitely rooting for him and hopefully come out with the victory. And if we do come out with the victory, I want Ian to have one of those games where, without him, we couldn't have done it. So, that's what I'm expecting. If we're going to win, it's going to be because of Ian. And if we're going to lose, it's going to be because of Ian.

So you've been around Ian Book and as a former Florida QB, you follow Kyle Trask. Does one of these two end up with your Heisman vote? Or is it somebody else?

MZ: It's such an interesting year just because not everybody was on the same playing field. I think for the guys that at least got 10 games in - like Ian and Kyle - they should be considered in New York. But, playing those 10 games or 11 games in a season like this, I do feel like they were the only ones to do it at the highest level. Maybe I'm a little bit biased because I've been in both quarterback rooms (at Florida and Notre Dame). But, I think these two games - Kyle versus Alabama and Ian versus Clemson - will make me cast my vote for the one that does better, you know, if it was ever that easy.

I also think James Patterson should be able to get in there because the amount of things he's done in six games. So if a one off year for a non-quarterback to win the Heisman, (James Patterson) is definitely at least deserving of a chance.

Obviously, we know Trevor's got the talent and the height, but he ain't play all of his games. And on top of that, he had missed games due to COVID. I wish he would've got a chance to play that first Notre Dame game. But, I do believe it should be between Kyle and Ian. We've got a chance to see what those two can do on the highest levels of the sport. You know, so that would be my easiest answer.

Obviously, everybody has a ton of people they want to put in there just from a reputation standpoint. And I don't think this the season, if any of the odd seasons that this should be a reputation award this year. Those two have been able to play all those games and play great consistently. And, I think it should come down to this weekend.

Speaking of James Patterson, you are now doing some commentary for CBS, covering the Mountain West and the MAC. Who are some of the player's that you've enjoyed watching in the games you've called?

MZ: James Patterson out of Buffalo at running back - him and Kevin Marks, another running backs at Buffalo - have done some really, really unique and special things in a six-game season. And it really shows how they've been able to put their team on a national level, not only from an individual perspective, but the team was able to be ranked for the first time in school history.

It's crazy to sit there and watch them play because they literally just hand it to him each and every play. And they both are very special, talented backs - to be on the same team and be great teammates to each other and be happy to see each other's success, even though one has gotten more carries than the other.

Those two guys both have been making the most out of their carries and for them to have the team they have and the guys on the outside like Antonio Nunn, who's also a great receiver, just shows just how talented this team is, regardless of the conference that they're in.

For them to be able to make such a national presence in six games, who knows what it would look like in ten. And the way they was playing in the MAC - putting up 50 points in a game - is something that is unheard of. So, yeah, James Patterson and Kevin Marks have been my two standout players this season. And the MAC is pretty talented. They may not have the names, but got the excitement when you watch.

Being an Ohio guy and now covering the MAC, what makes that conference different?

The MAC is a place where if you feel like you're really good and don't want to go D-1 to deal with politics, you go to a MAC school. And you go, and put up ridiculous numbers. And, usually those people that do that end up making it to league.

So, it's definitely not easy, but it's a platform where if you get a chance you got to do beyond the expectation to be noticed. But if you do, you see people like Kareem Hunt, Khalil Mack, and Ben Roethlisburger, come out of the MAC and have successful careers in the NFL.

And I think it's a place where you get your reps. You're going to get your experience. You're going to have some pretty accomplished coaches that come through the MAC and those guys know, football.

There's more glitz and glamour in the Power 5, but the MAC is everything that you would want at a D-1 level as well. You don't have the same travel schedule as everybody else, but you go out there and shine. It definitely can translate to the next level. And a lot of guys, shouldn't be afraid to try to join the MAC conference. If you really are a football player (and) you're really passionate about what you're doing, because it can take you to the same places the Power 5 schools can.


To hear more from the GMTM Analyst and CBS commentator, check out Malik's thoughts on Notre Dame's next quarterback, Tyler Buchner. And, quarterbacks, be sure to sign up for Malik's Lucky Lefty Training Page on GMTM.

Scotty Jenkins is a staff writer for GMTM covering college football. He grew up slowly in Nebraska, in the midst of the Husker dynasty of the '90s... and has been aging rapidly ever since.

Are you an Athlete?

Create a free profile to access the largest network specifically designed to connect athletes to opportunities. Get started.

RELATED ARTICLES
GMTM Athletes Earn Invites to USA Football’s 2024 National Team Trials

GMTM Athletes Earn Invites to USA Football’s 2024 National Team Trials

Athletes from all over the country descended on Charlotte, NC this past weekend to show off their...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Mar 07 2024
Spotlight on Aerials: From GMTM to World Cup

Spotlight on Aerials: From GMTM to World Cup

In 2023, U.S. Ski & Snowboard hosted their first-ever Virtual World Flip League on GMTM and...

ByLaura Luzzi | Mon Feb 26 2024
Life of an Athlete

Life of an Athlete

Playing sports at any level teaches a person a whole series of lessons above and beyond just the...

ByJeff Jeric C. Piano IV | Wed Feb 21 2024
Bobsled Beginner to World Cup Brakeman: Emily Renna's Rise to the Top

Bobsled Beginner to World Cup Brakeman: Emily Renna's Rise to the Top

Emily Renna grew up in Fairport, New York, a suburb of Rochester, as a decorated athlete on her...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Jan 16 2024
From Jersey Shore to Team USA: Steve Cluley's Journey to Olympic Heights

From Jersey Shore to Team USA: Steve Cluley's Journey to Olympic Heights

Steve Cluley is from Manasquan, New Jersey, a well known town located on the infamous "Jersey...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Jan 09 2024
Athletes Shine in USA Football's 2023 Digital Combine

Athletes Shine in USA Football's 2023 Digital Combine

USA Football hosted their second Digital Combine this year on GMTM for Adult and Junior athletes....

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Dec 05 2023
Ole Miss Rebel to Olympic Hopeful: Elliot Markuson’s Remarkable Path to Team USA

Ole Miss Rebel to Olympic Hopeful: Elliot Markuson’s Remarkable Path to Team USA

Passion fuels action, which was apparent from the minute Elliot Markuson, Team USA Bobsled athlete,...

ByLaura Luzzi | Mon Nov 27 2023
Athletes Making a Splash in the USA Triathlon Virtual Combine

Athletes Making a Splash in the USA Triathlon Virtual Combine

Throughout the month of November, athletes are continuing to participate in USA Triathlon’s Virtual...

ByTiffany Allen | Wed Nov 22 2023
Conquering Waves: Danae de Haan’s Journey to Excellence in Water Sports

Conquering Waves: Danae de Haan’s Journey to Excellence in Water Sports

Meet Danae de Haan, a dynamic force in the world of competitive wake sports, hailing from the...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Nov 21 2023
USA Triathlon: Virtual Combine Prize Winner Selected

USA Triathlon: Virtual Combine Prize Winner Selected

Over the past few weeks, we have seen great participation from athletes across the country taking...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Nov 20 2023
GMTM Athletes Showcasing Heart and Hustle

GMTM Athletes Showcasing Heart and Hustle

Our mission at GMTM is to provide athletes with the ultimate social platform to connect with...

ByLaura Luzzi | Wed Nov 15 2023
Athletes Making Waves in the USA Triathlon Virtual Combine

Athletes Making Waves in the USA Triathlon Virtual Combine

Throughout the month of November, athletes are encouraged to participate in USA Triathlon’s Virtual...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Nov 13 2023
Gia Griffith: Brave Enough to Make Change

Gia Griffith: Brave Enough to Make Change

Gia Griffith is a force to be reckoned with at the age of 12, which was apparent from the minute...

ByLaura Luzzi | Mon Oct 23 2023
The Firefighter Taking His Strength to the Ice

The Firefighter Taking His Strength to the Ice

Firefighter & Family Man Tyler Muniz, 33, is a professional firefighter and prominent member of the...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Oct 17 2023
Betting on Bobsled: The Pursuit of an Olympic Dream

Betting on Bobsled: The Pursuit of an Olympic Dream

A Family-Friendly Wager The Mangolds are a close knit family with a strong presence in the Eureka,...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Oct 17 2023
Empowering Athletic Women: Licia Mock's Journey from Gymnast to Entrepreneur

Empowering Athletic Women: Licia Mock's Journey from Gymnast to Entrepreneur

Alicia Mock, a proud California native and lifelong athlete, embarked on her incredible journey in...

ByLaura Luzzi | Wed Oct 11 2023
Rodeo Roots to Powerlifting Prominence

Rodeo Roots to Powerlifting Prominence

Athlete Spotlight: Kenedee Rowen GMTM gives athletes around the world an opportunity to highlight...

ByLaura Luzzi | Thu Oct 05 2023
CrossFit Warriors: Forging a Path to Olympic Glory

CrossFit Warriors: Forging a Path to Olympic Glory

In the competitive world of athletics, the year 2000 marked a significant disruption across the...

ByLaura Luzzi | Fri Sep 22 2023
Chasing Gold: From Football Field to Olympic Hopeful

Chasing Gold: From Football Field to Olympic Hopeful

Embarking on a journey toward Olympic glory is like stepping onto an uncharted path, where every...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Sep 19 2023
From High Jump to New Heights: The Fearless Journey of an Aspiring USA Football Athlete

From High Jump to New Heights: The Fearless Journey of an Aspiring USA Football Athlete

Isabella Geraci, of the Cleveland metro area, is a tenacious, tri-sport, D1 collegiate athlete. A...

ByLaura Luzzi | Wed Sep 06 2023
Athletes Making Waves at the 2023 USA Football Digital Combine

Athletes Making Waves at the 2023 USA Football Digital Combine

In a year that has seen sports take on new forms of innovation and adaptability, the 2023 USA...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 31 2023
Lillis First at U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave Summer Grand Prix

Lillis First at U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave Summer Grand Prix

Over the weekend, the best aerials athletes in the world spent the day stunning the crowd at the...

ByLeann Bentley | Tue Aug 29 2023
Virtual World Flip League: Elevating Aerial Athletics Through Innovation

Virtual World Flip League: Elevating Aerial Athletics Through Innovation

In a world characterized by continuous technological advancements, traditional sports organizations...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Aug 28 2023
Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 4

Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 4

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce the Week 4 Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard. We’ve...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 24 2023
Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 3

Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 3

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce the Week 3 Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard. We’ve...

ByTiffany Allen | Wed Aug 16 2023
Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 2

Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 2

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce the Week 2 Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard. We’ve...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 10 2023
Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant: Empowering Andrew Mackiewicz's Olympic Journey

Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant: Empowering Andrew Mackiewicz's Olympic Journey

How a GMTM Profile Helped Secure a Dream Sponsorship The journey of an athlete striving for Olympic...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 03 2023
Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 1

Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 1

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce the top two Virtual World Flip League submissions for...

ByTiffany Allen | Tue Jul 25 2023
Breaking Barriers: A Female Athlete's Journey to Flag Football Stardom

Breaking Barriers: A Female Athlete's Journey to Flag Football Stardom

In the world of sports, there are athletes who shatter barriers, redefine norms, and inspire...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Jul 20 2023
From Collegiate Wrestling to Bobsled Aspirations

From Collegiate Wrestling to Bobsled Aspirations

The Competitive Spirit Logan Radik, a 24-year-old retired DII Collegiate Wrestler, is on a new...

ByAlli Marbach | Fri Jul 07 2023
A Wrestler's Journey of Passion and Perseverance

A Wrestler's Journey of Passion and Perseverance

The Power of Determination EJ Lauter's story is a testament to the power of determination and the...

ByAlli Marbach | Tue Jun 27 2023
Sam Shaud: Pursuing Team USA Dream After a Successful Athletic Journey

Sam Shaud: Pursuing Team USA Dream After a Successful Athletic Journey

Sam Shaud, a determined athlete, is taking on a new challenge: joining the USA Skeleton Team. From...

ByAlli Marbach | Wed Jun 21 2023
Still think flag football is just for kids? Catches like this one will make you change your mind

Still think flag football is just for kids? Catches like this one will make you change your mind

Flag football? Not enough like what they play on Sundays? Get that thought out of your head. Flag...

ByConnor Dietz | Mon Jun 12 2023
Girls Expert BMX Rider is on GMTM winning races against the boys

Girls Expert BMX Rider is on GMTM winning races against the boys

When you win, you scream it from the mountaintops. And when you lose, you get back to work. That...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jun 08 2023
18-Year-Old Aerials Ski Athlete Uses GMTM To Ramp Up His Olympic Journey

18-Year-Old Aerials Ski Athlete Uses GMTM To Ramp Up His Olympic Journey

Ashton Salwan has seen a lot in his 18 years. Ahead of his upcoming birthday at the end of June,...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Jun 07 2023
A few of the best Canadian beach volleyball players who call Ontario home

A few of the best Canadian beach volleyball players who call Ontario home

Ontario has a rich collection of Volleyball players who had great international careers. From...

ByOklend Llakaj | Thu Apr 27 2023
‘West Virginia gets overlooked’: QB Noah Vellaithambi on his Elite 11 Regional Invite

‘West Virginia gets overlooked’: QB Noah Vellaithambi on his Elite 11 Regional Invite

Noah Vellaithambi, the starting quarterback at Hurricane High School in West Virginia, has been...

ByJoey Grant | Sun Apr 09 2023
Athletes Who Earned Their USA Football Tryout Invite on GMTM

Athletes Who Earned Their USA Football Tryout Invite on GMTM

Does football season really end anymore? The day after the Super Bowl, which marks the end of the...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Mar 06 2023
When Values Clash: Tackling the Alignment Problem for Sports Organizations and Athletes

When Values Clash: Tackling the Alignment Problem for Sports Organizations and Athletes

More than a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt Jr's injury during an amateur football game resulted in...

ByJoey Grant | Thu Mar 02 2023
Olympic Talent ID: Six Hopeful National Team Athletes Posting On GMTM

Olympic Talent ID: Six Hopeful National Team Athletes Posting On GMTM

If you are an athlete at a young age, it is very common to have the dream of representing your...

ByNisshanth Perumalsamy | Fri Feb 17 2023
American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

Yes, it is definitely possible to play American football overseas. However, this is not common...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jan 26 2023
New XFL Draft Picks use GMTM to be seen by coaches and fans

New XFL Draft Picks use GMTM to be seen by coaches and fans

In just under a month, the XFL will be taking yet another crack at creating a competing...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Jan 20 2023
Which College Sports Mascots Are The Most Polarizing?

Which College Sports Mascots Are The Most Polarizing?

They’re one of the most crucial aspects to a college sports viewing experience. The players?...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Nov 21 2022
How To Play Division-I College Football: Four Requirements For Every Athlete

How To Play Division-I College Football: Four Requirements For Every Athlete

It is no secret that it is often a young football athlete's dream to play their favorite sport at...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Nov 14 2022
Bucket List: Five More College Football Traditions You Need To See

Bucket List: Five More College Football Traditions You Need To See

Part two of some of the best division 1 college football game day traditions throughout the United...

ByScotty Jenkins | Sat Nov 05 2022
Bucket List: Five College Football Traditions You Need To See

Bucket List: Five College Football Traditions You Need To See

One of the best parts about college football are the traditions that have been around for decades....

ByScotty Jenkins | Sat Nov 05 2022
Eight Football Athletes Using GMTM To Find Opportunities To Play

Eight Football Athletes Using GMTM To Find Opportunities To Play

There doesn't seem to be a clear start and finish to the football season anymore. In today’s day...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Oct 28 2022
WNBA Star Denied Appeal To 9-Year Prison Sentence In Russia

WNBA Star Denied Appeal To 9-Year Prison Sentence In Russia

Brittney Griner was dealt another blow in her hopes to return home to the U.S. Tuesday. The WNBA...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 26 2022
What are College Football’s New Overtime Rules?

What are College Football’s New Overtime Rules?

In the 21st century, major sports have had to walk an interesting tightrope. They’ve had to balance...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Oct 24 2022
Three NFL Players Drafted From Division-II College Football Teams

Three NFL Players Drafted From Division-II College Football Teams

Every year the NFL draft is filled with a lot of hype and news coverage around a small class of...

ByJamison White | Sun Oct 16 2022