The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 4-0, currently sitting at #8 in the country. Heading into last week’s game at Wake Forest the team was led to a 3-0 start by QB Brandon Wimbush.
Let me say, I like Wimbush a lot. He has done great things for the Irish the last two seasons. But I’ve been calling for Ian Book from the stands since the second half of the Michigan game.
The team had won their first three games, but the offense just wasn’t clicking. Wimbush is a fantastic runner, and may be the best athlete on the team, but he just wasn’t getting it done through the air.
The Irish have some big time playmakers on the outside like Chase Claypool and Miles Boykin, and they just weren’t being utilized enough. The team’s very talented pass catching Tight End Alize Mack had been nearly invisible the first three weeks of the season.
So, before the Wake Forest game Coach Brian Kelly made the tough move to put Wimbush on the sideline and start Ian Book. Like I said, I like Wimbush… But, I love Book. (Who doesn’t love a good Book?)
Ian Book is a 6’0ft 203lbs Junior QB from El Dorado Hills California. Last season Book played in 10 games as a backup, but did get the start against North Carolina for an injured Wimbush, Book also got his first win that game.
He threw for 456 yards and 4 touchdowns his Sophomore season, adding 207 yards on the ground. He is most known for his performance in the Citrus Bowl against LSU last season…
With Notre Dame trailing 14-6, Book came off the bench and railed the Irish to victory. He was 14 of 19 for 164 yards and 2 touchdown passes, including the game winning 55 yard TD pass to Miles Boykin with 1:28 left, to give the Irish the 17-14 Bowl win.
Book has a rocket for an arm and is extremely accurate, something Wimbush was struggling with. He is also a sneaky good runner and can move the chains with his legs. He is a smart, methodical QB that Coach Kelly say’s plays with a very high sense of urgency.
So what did he do in his first start of the season?
https://twitter.com/hayes_hair13/status/1043544675381071872?s=21
He went 25 of 34 for 325 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, good for a 9.6 yards per attempt average and a QBR of 82.5. Remember I said he was a sneaky good runner too? Book added 10 carries for 43 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns, accounting for 5 total touchdowns on the day.
Ian Book has given ND offense spark to their passing game. Irish looking good in 1st H at WF. And UM/Nebraska update. Yikes!! pic.twitter.com/kEnrUIbE1r
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 22, 2018
Before Saturday the Irish had scored 24, 24 and 22 points. Against Wake Forrest, Book and the Irish put up 56. Book spread the ball around, completing passes to 10 different receivers. Alize Mack had his biggest game with 6 catches and Chase Claypool had a receiving TD.
https://twitter.com/hayes_hair13/status/1043540854177234944?s=21
I believe Wimbush will still help this team down the line. However, I believe the torch has been passed and this is now Ian Book’s Team. The offense looks fun again, and will be a good compliment to the very good Irish defense.
Ian Book wrote a masterpiece in his 2nd career start. We caught up with @ian_book23 post-game. @NDFootball pic.twitter.com/oSg2OOPTKb
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) September 22, 2018
Book will be tested this Saturday night in his first ever start at Notre Dame Stadium, when #7 Stanford rolls into South Bend.
The undefeated Irish vs the undefeated Cardinal. Something has to give, but I believe Ian Book is up for the challenge. The stadium will once again be a sea of green and be louder than ever to help Book Wake Up the Echos and Rally Her Sons!
I am excited for the the possibilities of success moving forward with Book at the helm. People are already talking College Football Playoff… But, let’s take it one play and one game at a time.
It’s time to write the next chapter in this Book.
GO IRISH… BEAT cardinal!
https://twitter.com/_d_bob/status/1043570120440913920?s=21
-Kevin “That Guy”