Notre Dame needs to move on from Ian Book
By Ryan Palmeri
The win over Virginia Tech doesn’t change anything for Notre Dame.
Notre Dame walked away after barely slipping by Virginia Tech and Ian Book commanded a terrific final drive. He faced criticism and adversity all week after his poor performance against Michigan and he struggled again most the game against the Hokies. But with the game on the line, Ian Book was able to get it done.
That final drive doesn’t change the fact that Notre Dame needs to move on.
Book had a tough week and he had his redemption moment. But Notre Dame should have never been in this moment. Multiple turnovers, missed throws, missing wide open receivers were just a few problems that are all to familiar.
Looking back to Brandon Wimbush and his benching paints a similar picture. Wimbush had a great record and some impressive performances in his career. But his struggles were well known and Notre Dame would never reach their potential. So Brian Kelly made a controversial move by benching Wimbush for Book. It catapulted Notre Dame to the playoff.
Now Notre Dame is facing a similar situation, as Book is a major reason this offense is stuck in neutral.
The big knocks against Phil Jurkovec were his lack of being able to read a defenses and how he can be reckless with the ball. Book has been missing open guys all year and he had two (should have been three) turnovers against Virginia Tech.
Book is a limited QB, but he was known for his accuracy and command of the offense last season. He is now a shell of his 2018 self as he regresses in year two. His completion percentage is dropping, his pocket presence is gone, his ability to run the offense is almost non-existent. What more do we need to see?
Michigan was just the tipping point and Virginia Tech was seconds away from blowing the door off the hinges. While the playoff hopes are dead for Notre Dame, recruiting and a NY6 game are not. Notre Dame can’t just close up shop because they won’t make the playoff this year — they still have something to play for.
Next. Should Book return in 2020. dark
I wish Ian Book nothing but the best in his future endeavors, but we need to see other people. The last drive against Virginia Tech was a reminder of the good times we had. But Ian, it isn’t us, it’s you. I hope you find a G5 school that treats you right.