Notre Dame Football: 3 reasons Ian Book should be a Heisman contender

Notre Dame Football: 3 reasons Ian Book should be a Heisman contender

Notre Dame’s 2020 performance

Although the determining factors for Heisman have shifted through the years, team performance is critical. Only the late Paul Horning won the trophy with a losing record (Notre Dame went 2-8 in 1956).

Ian Book is the signal caller of the No. 2 team in the country. The Irish have more victories than any other Heisman hopeful’s team besides BYU and Zach Wilson. He has victories over the current No. 3 and No. 19 teams in the nation and he led the Irish to their 1st victory over a top ranked team since 1993 when the Irish defeated Clemson, 47-40.

There is probably no argument that this win represents the best victory thus far.

With his next victory, Book will become Notre Dame’s winningest quarterback, surpassing Brady Quinn, Tom Clements and Ron Powlus. Depending on how the season finishes, Book might own records for most wins and best winning percentage.

Clements won 29 out of 34 victories or a .853 winning percentage, and the most likely worst case scenario, two more regular season victories, and two postseason losses would leave Book with a .861 winning percentage, slightly higher than Clements’ .853.

Aside from the national title, he has accomplished almost every possible milestone. The success of the Irish football team is enough to be considered for the Heisman Trophy, but it is not the only attribute that Book brings to the table.