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Notre Dame Football: Top Storylines vs. Bowling Green

By Connor McJunkin

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 28: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish drops back to pass during the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 28, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 28: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish drops back to pass during the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 28, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 28: Tony Jones Jr. #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish avoids a tackle by Joey Blount #29 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 28, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Offensive Improvements

As mentioned earlier, the offense has struggled at times this year. From inconsistent offensive line play to the struggles of Ian Book, the offensive side of the ball has been underwhelming so far in 2019 considering the returning talent.

After the offensive explosion during the New Mexico game that many hoped would be a confidence booster before Georgia, Notre Dame seemed to carry that momentum into Athens. Book was efficient and the offense moved the ball when they weren’t shooting themselves in the foot with penalties. After failing to make adjustments or find any running game in the second half, the play-calling was criticized as well as the play of Book for not taking control of the offense when they desperately needed a spark.

Last week’s performance vs. Virginia seemed to show further regression — mainly in the passing game and the play of Book. The offensive line paved the way for 157 rushing yards, but allowed four sacks. Book was 17/25 for only 165 yards and continued to struggle finding a rhythm. The much anticipated return of Michael Young was very underwhelming as well, as he finished with just 19 yards receiving.

It’s understandable to see some drop-off when your starting running back is out, but with 4 of the 5 offensive lineman returning as well as your veteran quarterback with all his receiving threats, it’s inexcusable to see the degree of struggle we’ve watched so far.

This week’s game vs. an awful Bowling Green defense should be what the New Mexico game was, a great opportunity to tighten things up and improve across the board. It can also be an ideal time to play backup quarterback Phil Jurkovec, perhaps with some of the starters.

With rivals USC and Michigan upcoming, and a long season ahead, the offense has to find a rhythm and do a better job utilizing the weapons. Bowling Green comes to town at a perfect time for the offense to do just that.

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