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Notre Dame Football: Top Storylines vs Duke

By Connor McJunkin

ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Brian Kelly looks on during warmups prior to playing the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Brian Kelly looks on during warmups prior to playing the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 26: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks to throw a first half pass against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Offensive Momentum

I know, I know, you are just as tired of reading about Notre Dame’s offensive problems as I am writing about them. Much of it is still on the shoulders of Ian Book, but the inconsistent play of the offensive line and run game coupled with awful play-calling has just brewed a perfect storm of mediocrity and frustration.

Last week wasn’t much better, but there were signs of some improvement. While the run game still wasn’t there — only mustering 106 yards on the ground — the offense still put up 442 yards, converted 40 percent of their 3rd downs, and was able to drive the field and punch in the game-winning score to give the Irish the one point victory.

Now of course since we give Book a lot of the blame for the bad, we have to commend him for the good. That game-winning drive was by far the most clutch moment for the Irish this year and could have possibly saved the season.

Maybe, just maybe that drive gave Book and this unit some momentum and a belief that they can actually score points and not end every drive with a punt.

Of course this is all speculation and most likely wishful thinking, but it isn’t completely ridiculous to say that such a big drive and score like that can’t bring about some newfound confidence. If that were to happen then the drive would be a season-changing one, especially if that momentum can carry over into Ian Book specifically.

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