I’m going to try to make sense of this game, but it’s hard to find new words. Last season I wrote instant reactions over at our old site, and twice I found myself trying to figure out what to say after an absolute heartbreaker of a loss. Today we got another one. Say what you want about Notre Dame fans – much of it is true – but the Irish have suffered three of the all-time scarring losses in the last 11 months, so you can’t say we are spoiled.

For those in Cuba or North Korea that may have missed the game (how are you reading this site right now anyway?), ND lost to Texas 50-47 in two overtimes, with Tyrone Swoopes of all people bulling into the end zone for the winning touchdown. The game only went to overtime because of an improbable blocked PAT return for two points by the Irish late in the game.

Alright, here we go. WatchND highlights first:

So much for the quarterback controversy

You might have heard a word or two about the quarterback derby that played out between DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire over the course of the last 8 months or so. Recently coach Brian Kelly determined that both should play against Texas. So both did, swapping back and forth for several series. Zaire even started the second half. For some reason.

Here’s the thing, though: Malik Zaire is a really good quarterback. (Regardless of his pathetic results Sunday, which I credit to predictable play calling as much as to anything Zaire did wrong.)

But DeShone Kizer might well be the best QB west of Clemson. He was unbelievable. Not that my feelings mean anything, but I haven’t felt completely comfortable with an ND quarterback since Clausen – even when Kizer played last year – and I was totally at ease with Kizer. Once it became clear he was going to play, there was never a thought in my mind ND might lose until they had to settle for 3 in the second OT. I just assumed Kizer would pull it off. And he should have. 15/24, 215 yards, 5 TD, plus a rushing score. No turnovers – not even close to one, in fact. His throw to Josh Adams under pressure for a score late in the game was just awe-inspiring.

Coach Kelly said postgame that they haven’t made a QB determination. He couldn’t say anything else there – he hasn’t had a chance to talk it out with the parties involved. But as long as Kizer is healthy, I imagine Zaire is through playing relevant snaps for the time being.

Notre Dame’s defense is awful again

Second verse (or third in this case), same as the first. I understand Brian VanGorder probably got some leeway for the pathetic defenses ND fielded in both 2014 and 2015 because both of them were ravaged by injuries. And I also understand Shane Buechele looks like he’s going to be a great QB for Texas, so he deserves a modicum of credit for what happened today. But the fact of the matter is, you can’t give up 37 points (regulation) to a true freshman QB, especially when one play in particular – the deep bomb to a wide open man – keeps repeating.

ND’s defense is not experienced. But there’s too much talent out there for the Irish to get lit up like this by pretty much anyone. And with all due respect to Texas, which is absolutely not going 5-7 again, especially not a freshman QB whose offense looked inept much of 2015. Texas went for 517 total yards and averaged over 10 yards per pass attempt. That just can’t be. We’re probably stuck with BVG through the season, and no matter how good Kizer is ND can’t win 11 straight with this defense.

About that targeting play

You always risk looking like a sore loser when you start talking about bad calls that went against you after your team loses a game. But regardless of the result, the no-call of the targeting play against Torii Hunter was reprehensible. (Also, Hunter is out for at least next week, because he definitely got concussed on the play, so it was damaging, too.) Just to use one example: The Irish were called for almost literally a carbon copy of that hit against Temple a year ago, and there was no debate about it. And somehow, no flag here.

The call is even reviewable after the fact now. College replay officials can stop the game to review a play they believe might have been targeting if it wasn’t called on the field. Somehow, it wasn’t. I’m sure the fact that the Big 12, Texas’ conference, employs the replay official had nothing to do with that oversight. (Those who know me will know I point out this sort of conflict of interest every time there’s a sketchy officiating decision in any game.)

ND probably scores a TD there to take the lead if the correct call is made (it was a 3rd-down dropped TD), which could easily have made the difference in the game’s outcome. But even aside from that, you can’t allow those hits to go uncalled, because they will keep happening if you do.

Also, it will get lost in the rest of the game and even in the debate over the call, but holy Moses that throw by Kizer for a should’ve-been TD. Between three defenders!!!

The season isn’t over – technically

Even setting aside the unlikelihood of 11 straight wins for ND with this defense, I’m on record as doubting an 11-1 Notre Dame will ever make the College Football Playoff if there is any remotely justifiable alternative. The playoff system was created and is run by the people who run the Power 5 conferences, and Notre Dame doesn’t play in one in football. Follow the money – it’s just not going to happen. Just my opinion.

Of course, that doesn’t mean ND can’t try to win 11 in a row. Anything can happen. This is college football, after all, and two top 5 teams just lost this weekend. Who’s to say we won’t see a bunch of carnage?

That being said, the Irish still could reach the Cotton or Orange bowls and get a chance to pick up a major bowl win, something that’s eluded this program since 1993. It’s a worthy marker to achieve. With such an inexperienced group, serious thoughts of a title were overly ambitious. It just sucks that any realistic chance went out the window so soon, and in this fashion.

Attempting to end this recap on a positive note

Seriously, this was kind of awesome in the moment.

See you next week, guys.