Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Football: 3 Studs and 3 Duds

Dec 5, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book (12) celebrates with offensive lineman Robert Hainsey (72) and offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer (78) after Notre Dame defeated the Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book (12) celebrates with offensive lineman Robert Hainsey (72) and offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer (78) after Notre Dame defeated the Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Javon McKinley went off against Syracuse Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Javon McKinley went off against Syracuse Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Football: 3 Studs and 3 Duds

3 Studs

Ian Book

Book will finish his Notre Dame career as the winningest quarterback in the program’s history. Statistically speaking, Book has placed himself at the top of almost every category as well, and if he were to win a national title, he would arguably be the greatest Notre Dame quarterback of all-time.

Furthering his resume, Book never lost a start at home.

As for this game, Book finished with 338 total yards and five total touchdowns. His playmaking ability once again sparked the Irish to victory.

Kyren Williams

If many fans and media members were asked whether the Irish would have a 1000-yard rusher this season, the answer would have been a resounding no. Williams transformed his body over the season, allowing him to become the starter, and he has exploded onto the scene.

He finished the 2020 campaign with 1,011 yards and 12 touchdowns, as his performance changed the entire complexion of the Notre Dame offense and thus team this season.

Javon McKinley

Like Williams, McKinley’s improvement impacted Notre Dame’s offense tremendously. Last year, McKinley flashed his ability with 268 receiving yards on 11 catches. However, the vast majority of this production occurred against inferior teams like New Mexico and Bowling Green.

This year, by contrast, McKinley played some of his best football against the best teams. He dominated future first-round selection, Asante Samuel, with five receptions for 107 yards. Overall, McKinley snagged 37 passes for 660 yards and three touchdowns.