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Notre Dame Football: Three reasons Irish can be elite in 2020

By Ben Belden

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish passes the ball during the Camping World Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame defeated Iowa State 33-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish passes the ball during the Camping World Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame defeated Iowa State 33-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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3. Ian Book’s experience

ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 28: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish passes the ball during the Camping World Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame defeated Iowa State 33-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 28: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish passes the ball during the Camping World Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame defeated Iowa State 33-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame fans should feel lucky to have an experienced quarterback in Ian Book coming back for the 2020 season.

Many have been critical of Book and his play-making abilities. Many have said that he isn’t enough of a risk-taker. At times in 2019, Book looked tentative–sometimes, it seemed as if Book’s priority was to avoid the bad play rather than to make the big play.

And while that attitude isn’t all bad for a signal-caller, it left Irish fans grasping for more and even calling for a quarterback change.

But the Irish stuck with Book and are better off for it in 2020.

Book seemed to use a game-winning drive against Virginia Tech to get his groove back. From there, Book never looked back and the Irish didn’t play in a close game for the rest of the season.

Book’s experience will be key for the Irish, especially given that pass-catchers Chase Claypool and Cole Kmet are gone to the NFL. Kevin Austin, Braden Lenzy, and Tommy Tremble are just a few names who should step into a larger role next season, while a talented and experienced offensive line should keep Book upright.

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