Notre Dame Football: Top Storylines vs. Georgia

Career Defining Moment for Ian Book

Ian Book seemed to have recovered and rebounded from the season opener vs. Louisville, as he absolutely torched the New Mexico defense last weekend — completing 15 of 24 passes for 360 yards and 5 total touchdowns. After a few shaky drives to start the game, he settled down and made the type of plays — and throws — this offense will need from him for the rest of the season to be successful.

Up to this point, Ian Book’s career has been interesting. It started in a backup-type role in 2017, most notably stepping in and becoming the hero in the Citrus Bowl vs. LSU. Then he officially became the starter amidst the chaos that was the Brandon Wimbush situation last year, leading the Irish to an undefeated season.

Through all of that, it just doesn’t feel like Book has had that career-defining moment — that game on a big stage against a big opponent that just separates himself or shows the type of player and quarterback he is. Book had this opportunity with Clemson last year and far from delivered, as he looked out of rhythm and downright overwhelmed all night long.  I would say the closest we’ve seen of Book’s “moment” was that Citrus Bowl comeback win vs. LSU.

I’m not saying Book needs to absolutely win this Saturday’s game to legitimize his talents and abilities, but he can’t miss the moment again. This is No. 12’s chance to light up the No. 3 team in the country, in Athens, with the entire country watching. If he can’t put it together and deliver in this type of opportunity, when can/will he prove that he’s more than just a quarterback that can put up solid numbers at home or against average/lower ranked teams on the road?

I’m not taking away from anything Book has done during his time in South Bend, however, these are the types of games you come to Notre Dame to play in, and these chances are where you stamp your name in the history books.

Book has all the tools you’d want in a college quarterback, and has all the talent to lead this team and offense. He needs to show it and display it Saturday night. Avoid the sacks, extend plays with your feet, make the right decisions, accurate deep balls, just put the offense on your back and ball out on one of the biggest stages of your career and let everyone else know you have arrived.