Is It Time To Turn The Page On Ian Book?

After another sub par performance, is it time to turn the page on Ian Book? Last year about this time, head coach Brian Kelly made the switch to Book replacing then starting quarterback Brandon Wimbush purely due to ineffectiveness. It turned out pretty great. The Irish earned a playoff berth behind Book, but proceeded to get crushed by the eventual champs.

Happy Feet

Wimbush was benched for a few reasons but there are two that are Déjà vu with Book under center. First, we’ve seen an inability to complete a pass downfield and second, constant bailing from the pocket under pressure. Wimbush also had troubles with taking care of the football, Book hasn’t been perfect in that regard but he’s had a defense that has bailed him out time and time again. On opening night against Louisville, Book ran the ball 14 times. For perspective, he only completed 14 passes – but Louisville has shown thus far in the season to be a formidable opponent, it was opening night, we'll let it slide. New Mexico should have been a cakewalk for Book, and on paper, it was. Notre Dame racked up 66 points. Book ran the ball nine times, while completing 15. Perhaps a bit skewed, he did throw for five touchdowns and run for another, but it still was not crisp.

Against the Big Dogs

I will say I was impressed with Book’s play during the first half of the Georgia game. It looked like he had command of the team, until he did not. He forced a couple throws but still went 29/47 with two touchdowns and two interceptions thrown. If I had any complaint, it was the fact he only ran the ball three times. Virginia was a consecutive AP TOP 25 matchup for Notre Dame. Book played well enough all things considered This was supposed to be the game where the Irish came out and smacked Virginia in the mouth. Just about everybody did that except for our signal caller. Book only threw for 165 yards and his rushing total was -11 yards, despite having an 11 yard rush. The defense carried the team and it was not even close. It was actually tight end Cole Kmet who led all receivers with four catches for 65 yards. He is an emerging star who Book has quickly taken a liking to. I have no problem with Book leaning on the tight end when he gets in trouble, in fact I wish he would rely more on Kmet, Tommy Tremble and Brock Wright because these are typically high percentage passes.

Who's Next?

The next man in succession of the Golden Throne appears to be sophomore quarterback Phil Jurkovec from Pittsburgh, PA. He has had his own difficulties through spring – but has seemed to make progress. The only game action Jurkovec has seen this year was against New Mexico where he connected for a 52 yard bomb to all-purpose back Braden Lenzy. The expectation will be that Jurkovec gets some playing time against Bowling Green as the game is shaping up to be a blowout in Notre Dame’s favor. This will be his time to shine.

Wait Are We "Booking It" Too Fast?

Since Book has taken over the Irish have lost two games. Both have been to AP TOP 5 teams, both games have been played away from home. Kelly did not seem to believe it was time to turn the page on Ian Book. Kelly had some words of encouragement for the progressing quarterback pointing out that he only has only played in 14 games. If we compare to Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, he broke out in his junior season after 24 starts. Heading into Jimmy Claussen’s junior season, he already had 25 starts. Hell, even current quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees had over two years starting experience before putting together his stellar senior season. The point is our expectation for Book is to come out and be a finished product with little experience under his belt. Despite the picture that the media has painted, Book is still hitting 63% off his passes and has 993 yards, eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Trust the Process

Am I happy with the play of our quarterback? No, but as a Chicago fan we are used to having to have a defense be the strength of the team. I do not think it’s time to hit the panic button yet. On the stat sheets, Book will need to improve to keep his starting job, but as for today, it is too early to turn the page on Ian Book.