Notre Dame football: Offensive grades vs. Boston College

Notre Dame football: Offensive grades vs. Boston College

Quarterback

Unfair or not, Saturday afternoon’s game against Boston College was always going to be a referendum on whether or not Brian Kelly made the right decision sticking with Ian Book, and letting Phil Jurkovec walk out. Even in a Notre Dame win, if Jurkovec outplayed Book the moaning about what the offense could have been would become unbearable.

Luckily, Book continued to thrive at Boston College

Perhaps Book’s ability was best demonstrated in their two minute drill at the end of the first half. Book was able to accurately find the open receivers, and use his legs when Boston College left room to run. He could create from inside or outside the pocket. That drive, and frankly the entire game for Book, was everything that Notre Dame fans have been waiting to see from him.

For two straight weeks now Book has been everything Notre Dame needed of him, even if there is still room for improvement. Yes, the Irish could still push the ball downfield better. Yes, there was the fumble against Clemson and the fumbled give to Chris Tyree against Boston College. However, Book has made the Notre Dame offense efficient and deadly. No one expected that a month ago.

Book finished the game 20/27 passing, for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 85 yards on the ground led all rushers for Notre Dame. He also rushed for a touchdown.

Grade= A