Notre Dame Football: 3 Biggest Storylines against Vanderbilt

Wimbush or Book?

Brandon Wimbush had his struggles last Saturday, and many were calling for Ian Book to come in during the second half last week to take over the offense. Wimbush is 29/53 with 467 yards, 1 touchdown, and 4 interceptions so far this season. Like last year, his inconsistency is a concern. One play he stands in the pocket and delivers a strike to the small open zone in the defense, and the next play he’s throwing a jump ball off his back foot on a first down.

Wimbush also struggles in some of his decision making, seemingly trying to force plays that just aren’t there. That happened on numerous occasions last week, as he scrambled trying to make a play before eventually being sacked or throwing an errant pass when the clear option was to throw the ball away and live to fight another down.

Last week was just a strange game, and I’m chalking everyone’s poor performance to the dramatic high they fell from after Michigan. Wimbush was commanding an offense that was not its normal self, and I think the Irish get back to a more consistent gameplan this week – designed Wimbush runs, outside zones, play-action, etc.

I’m not throwing in the towel on Wimbush yet, and neither is Brian Kelly, but the gap between Wimbush and Book is certainly closer than it was before the Ball State game. If he struggles again this week, we might get an Ian Book sighting that doesn’t just include him handing the ball off for a touchdown in the red zone.