Notre Dame compliments, criticisms and conclusions vs. Louisville

Criticisms

Ineffectiveness And Inaccuracy Of Ian Book

Ian Book was named to the 2019 Walter Camp, Davey O’Brien and Manning Award preseason watch lists, in part due to his incredible passing accuracy. That renowned accuracy was not on display against Louisville.

While Book was able to contribute with his legs, he did not look comfortable in the pocket for most of the game, finishing an underwhelming 14 for 23 with 193 yards passing and one touchdown. His issues with inaccuracy were no more evident than on a 4th and four, where he under-threw an open Chris Finke, causing him to break stride and be tackled two yards short of the first down marker.

While Book was able to connect with Chase Claypool on big gain plays and sophomore tight end Tommy Tremble on a nicely placed touchdown pass, he seemed to lack his typical poise in the pocket. One wonders if some of this could be attributed to him lacking some top offensive options on offense due to injury. The Irish were already missing tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver Michael Young. Then they lost running back Jafar Armstrong in the first series of the game.

Regardless of the cause, Book must be far more accurate if the Irish hope to contend for the College Football Playoff this year.

(Side note:  Book was able to go viral by completing a pass directly to the face of a member of the Louisville dance team, promptly breaking her nose.)

Inconsistency Of The Offensive Line

On some plays, Irish offensive line opened gaping holes that a tractor trailer could have passed unscathed through. On other plays, they couldn’t get enough of a push to allow their backs to get a meager one yard gain for a first down.

At times, Ian Book seemed to have an eternity to find an open receiver. Other times, the pocket seemed to collapse almost simultaneously with the snapping of the ball, sending Book scrambling for his life.

The offensive line is a veteran line, bolstered by seniors Liam Eichenberg, Tommy Kraemer and juniors Robert Hainsey and Aaron Banks. Sophomore center Jarrett Patterson (who appeared in three games last year) is the only underclassman, but he appeared on the RImington Watch List this preseason. This should be a strong offensive line that the Irish should be able to count on for greater consistency as the season progresses.