Naturally being the starting quarterback at Notre Dame comes with some extra pressure but let’s temper expectations by looking over his progression to show that Ian Book isn't the problem.
The expectations for Notre Dame’s senior signal caller heading into 2019 were as high as they have been in years.
Book found his way onto the pre-season watch lists for the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien & Walter Camp. Book also garnered some national consideration for a long-shot Heisman.
But he was part of the discussion. Now, fans – despite a 5-1 record, are calling for Book’s head.
Sophomore Season
Book’s first full game action came in October 2017. The Irish sophomore led the team to victory over North Carolina, 33-10. However, Book only went 17-31 for 146 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions thrown.
Book did flash some excellence in relief of Brandon Wimbush in the Citrus Bowl leading the Irish to a comeback victory. Who can forget the Miles Boykin 55 yard Citrus Bowl catch?
Notre Dame edges LSU, 21–17 in the Citrus Bowl thanks to Miles Boykin's crazy 55-yard touchdown. (via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/CyKKbGT4ob
— SWM (@sportswm) January 1, 2018
Even so, Wimbush retained the starting job heading into 2018. The same fans who want to bench Book, were calling for Book as the savior for this offense.
Junior Season
Wimbush did the bare minimum to get the Irish to 3-0. However, close wins against inferior opponents in Ball State and Vanderbilt forced Brian Kelly’s hand into making a quarterback change.
September 22, 2018 was Book’s second official start. He was able to jump start a struggling offense to 56 points against Wake Forest. Perhaps the most impressive was Book’s completion percentage (73.5%), ability to stretch the defense downfield (long of 66) and improvisation to make plays with his legs on top of it as he rushed for three touchdowns.
From there, Book dismantled #7 ranked Stanford and went down to Blacksburg, VA in a hostile environment and left no doubt. Thinking back I knew the Irish were for real – EXIT SANDMAN.
As Book led this team to nine more wins, to a perfect 12-0 regular season, he amassed nearly 2500 yards 23 total touchdowns and a crisp 70.4% completion percentage.
Then, along came Clemson. Book finished 17/34 for 160 yards zero touchdowns and an interception.
Senior Season Part 1
Book started the game against Louisville with only 11 total starts including the Cotton Bowl and fans have expected a finished product.
Now, with 17 complete games under his belt, we have enough of a sample size to see what kind of quarterback he is going to be – not great, but a damn good one.
He is slightly above NCAA average in his performance this year according to the NCAA stats website, which has number #12 tied for 11th overall in points responsible for with 102 points.
As for his career numbers to date are 64% passer with 4503 yards and 37 touchdowns to 13 picks. He has added seven rushing touchdowns averaging just over four yards per carry.
You can skip the “inflated numbers” argument. The quality of Notre Dame’s scheduled opponents are traditionally better than the preseason games scheduled by other elite programs.
Senior Season Part 2
With the bye week, Book has an extra week of preparation for the Michigan Wolverines. Coming off a bye, I fully expect the progress of Book to continue trending upward. The running game is starting to find their footing, the defense has been stellar – the lone dull spot so far has been chemistry between Book and the depth of the receiving core.
He has taken a liking to both NFL caliber tight end in Cole Kmet and big bodied play maker Chase Claypool.
The rest of the play makers need to step up too – not just Book. I am looking at you, seniors, specifically Chris Finke and Javon McKinley.
Book isn't the problem, but he hasn't been the solution either.
Make It Or Break It
The Irish sit at #8 heading into a bye week and a showdown against hated rival Michigan this will be Book's first start against the Wolverines.
This game is a make or break game. Not just for the Fighting Irish, but for Book's legacy at Notre Dame.
