Notre Dame Football: Book’s Return Propelled Irish to Win over Syracuse
By Carlee North
Notre Dame Football improved to 11-0 behind a near-shutout and the offensive prowess of an elite passing attack, lead by quarterback Ian Book.
Notre Dame football beat up Syracuse Saturday afternoon with a 36-3 final, which really doesn’t show the full story of the game. The Irish completely dominated defensively, only allowing 234 total yards and 3 points to one of the top offenses in the country. I can’t remember that type of performance from a Notre Dame defense in quite some time.
As for the offense, it was just a good day in the ballpark. It definitely not the best we’ve seen from this group, but honestly you can’t really complain when they were still able to muster 36 points. The redzone offense just wasn’t there Saturday, which can’t happen going forward, and they just didn’t execute like we’re accustomed to, with penalties playing a part in that as well.
Of course though, the offense did some really good things, mainly through the passing game. Chase Claypool has been playing like the best wide receiver on the team the past few weeks. Claypool finished the game with 6 catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.
But this game wouldn’t of been the way it was without the play of quarterback Ian Book. After missing last week’s matchup with a rib injury, I kind of had a feeling he would have to get back in the groove of the offense and he would have to shake off some rust. But for the most part, he really didn’t miss a beat with this group. It was another efficient day for the Irish quarterback and a big reason why he’s the Slap The Sign offensive player of the game.
Book finished 23 of 37 for 292 yards and two touchdown passes. He also added 16 yards on the ground. He’s such an impressive player and he just has that “it” factor about him that you want leading your offense. It’s really fun to see.
Next. Notre Dame Football: Gilman Lead Irish Dominant Defense over Syracuse. dark
The Irish head to California Saturday to take on rival USC for the final game of the regular season, with the hopes of finishing undefeated if they come out on top. It’s not going to get any easier from here on out, but if Book continues to be efficient, play his game, and run the offense like he does, I’ll bet on the Irish every time.