Notre Dame Football: Top Storylines vs Florida State
Ian Book Out
Just announced a few days before kickoff, quarterback Ian Book has been ruled out for this week’s matchup with an apparent rib/midsection injury. This will mean former starter Brandon Wimbush will be given the nod to lead the offense Saturday.
Multiple sources tell The Athletic that quarterback Ian Book will be out Saturday night against Florida State following a rib injury suffered against Northwestern.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) November 8, 2018
Wimbush hasn’t started or taken a meaningful snap since week three vs. Vanderbilt. There is no doubt this change will alter the gameplan — at least through the air — but there shouldn’t be too much worry by Irish fans.
For starters, Wimbush is a starting quarterback at almost every other Division 1 school, and he is our backup. He has a big arm and is arguably one of the best athletes on the team with his scrambling and running ability. Second, he knows the offense and he knows how to win. He’s 13-3 as a starting quarterback and holds the biggest win of the season over Michigan under his belt as well.
That’s not too bad in my book (sorry).
Lastly, the weather for this week’s game will be freezing temperatures with possible snow. Even if Book was playing, the main gameplan will be to ground and pound the Seminole defense and make them just not want to be there.
Though this is a huge wrench being thrown at the offense this week, the Irish should be lucky that their backup option has 16 career starts and plenty of talent to win them the game. Whether we like it or not, we’re all aboard the Wimbush train this weekend. Embrace it and roll with it.