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Notre Dame Football: Top Storylines vs. Louisville

By Connor McJunkin

SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 27: Helmets of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish near the bench area in the 2nd half against the Navy Midshipmen at SDCCU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 27: Helmets of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish near the bench area in the 2nd half against the Navy Midshipmen at SDCCU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Tony Jones Jr. #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scores a touchdown against USC Trojans during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Living Up to the Hype

It’s no secret that Ian Book has demanded much of the spotlight this off-season, especially considering the type of season he put together last year. Over 2,600 yards passing, 19 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a 68% completion percentage in only nine games is enough to turn some heads and raise a few eyebrows.

This off-season Book was named one of college football’s Top 50 Players by ESPN, coming in at No. 33. On top of that, many think Book could be a dark horse Heisman candidate if he’s able to put up great numbers over a full 12-game season.

Book has all the tools to be the catalyst for another Notre Dame post-season run and much of the success of this year’s team will ride on No. 12.

Going into the off-season, there were certain parts of Book’s game that needed improvement. Deep ball accuracy, getting more comfortable in the pocket, and overall growing as a player, leader, and teammate were at the top of the list of areas to work on.

Much of the hype surrounding Book comes from the fact that these areas seemed to be addressed through spring ball and fall camp. Coupled with the fact that the offense might shift to a more vertical, stretch-the-field type look with the faster, speedy receivers and there is a lot to be excited about.

The success of this year’s offense will start and end with the playing ability of Ian Book. The offense has no shortage of athletes and playmakers, and as long as Book can get the ball in their hands and make plays with his feet when needed, Louisville – and just about every other team – will struggle to keep points off the board.

Can Book live up to the hype and lead another playoff push this season? His play Monday night will tell us a lot about the answers to those questions.

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