Notre Dame Football: Ian Book continues hot steak vs. Boston College
Ian Book’s last couple of games have been nothing short of stellar for Notre Dame.
It’s nice to finally have the offense humming at a consistent and high level. Sure, it’s a shame that it took so long, but it still feels good to have finally figured it out. We all know why the Notre Dame offense turned this corner: the Ian Book we all expected to get this season showed up during the final drive against Virginia Tech.
He hasn’t left since.
This new version of Book made another appearance on Senior Day for Notre Dame. In the process, he earned himself the Offensive Player of the Game.
Book was 26 of 40 for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns. He did this on a cold November day no less, when simple things like gripping the ball can be difficult. To go along with that impressive day in the air, Book also led the Irish in rushing. That’s the 4th game in a row Book has done so, gaining 66 yards on 12 carries against Boston College.
I won’t pretend that waxing Boston College’s defense is the most impressive thing in the world. It’s expected, as the Eagles are letting up 32.8 points per game. Still, you have to go out and execute — and that’s exactly what the Notre Dame offense was able to do.
Book was the ring leader of that execution. He pressured the Eagles defense by making them guard his rushing ability as well as his throwing ability. When he scrambles for yardage, it forces the defense to play up towards the line of scrimmage or leave a spy out of coverage to stop the quarterback run. This over-correction by the defense to stop scrambling opens up passing lanes. Add a strong receiving corps that Boston College didn’t have the athletes to cover, and Ian Book could pick them apart at will.
The Irish were lucky to receive solid performances from a bevy of offensive players against Boston College. Braden Lenzy found the endzone on a 61 yards touchdown run. Cole Kmet, Chris Finke, and Chase Claypool all had 7 catches and a touchdown. This shows just how well Ian Book was able to distribute the football and utilize all his weapons.
dark. Next. Claypool mocked in first round
Improvements like this are why the Irish offense has improved, and how Ian Book was able to become last Saturday’s Offensive Player of the Game.