Notre Dame Football: In Book, Irish fans finally get what they want

Notre Dame football has (at least) one thing going for it entering into 2020: An experienced signal-caller gives the Irish a distinct advantage in most contests.

Notre Dame football fans have gotten what they want: The Irish have developed a quarterback that now has the experience to lead Notre Dame in a way that quarterbacks have failed to do under Brian Kelly.

Since Brian Kelly has arrived in South Bend, a major criticism has been his handling of the quarterback situation. Much of that criticism has been justified.

Who could forget the way that Kelly used Everett Golson and Tommy Rees? Golson would play most of the game until Rees would often enter as the “closer” to win the game in the final seconds.

Or how about the start of the abysmal 2016 season where the Irish entered the season with two starting quarterbacks in Deshone Kizer and Malik Zaire. Undoubtedly, the divide created in the locker room and the uncertainty at quarterback played a major part in Notre Dame’s less-than-memorable season.

But the good news is that there is no question who the quarterback is entering 2020. Additionally, the Notre Dame coaching staff has a great feel for what Ian Book can do. Best yet, Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees, has played a tremendous role in the development of Ian Book and knows better than just about anyone what playing quarterback for Brian Kelly is like.

In short, having an experienced quarterback that has worked tremendously closely with Tommy Rees should pay dividends for the Irish.

Book is coming off a season where he threw for over 3,000 yards and 34 touchdowns, while only throwing 6 interceptions. He also proved to be a weapon with his legs, running for 546 yards and 4 more scores.

If Book is able to build upon his successes at Notre Dame–and given his rapport with Rees, one should believed that he can do just that–the Irish should have no trouble moving the football. Notre Dame has an offensive line that is in the running for the best in college football, talented backs and receivers that are ready to prove themselves, and a quarterback who excels at distributing the football.

Notre Dame fans finally are getting what they want: A quarterback that has developed over multiple years in the system who is primed to peak at the right time. Things are looking really good for the Notre Dame offense in 2020.