Notre Dame Football X-Factors against the Alabama Crimson Tide

Notre Dame football offensive X-factors: Ian Book and Kyren Williams

The Notre Dame offense is led by a veteran quarterback who recently became the winningest signal-caller in program history in Ian Book. Book has had many signature moments and wins during his time in South Bend, but none would be bigger than him slaying the dragon that is the Alabama Crimson Tide.

This is the Irish’s second appearance in the College Football Playoff in three years, and they did not have a great showing the last time around. In fact, they have been throttled the last six times they played in either a BCS, New Years 6, or CFP game, so there is a lot of opportunity for this year’s team to silence some critics.

To do so, they will need a perfect game from Book, who struggled against Clemson in the ACC title game due to the fact he was running for his life the entire game. For Book to get going, the Irish need to make sure their running game is on point, as Kyren Williams‘ play will go a long way in keeping this Alabama defense honest.

Williams is going to have to tote the rock 20-plus times, extending drives, and keeping the Alabama offense off the field. If Book plays solid, and Williams is getting chunk yardage on the ground, there is no reason why the Irish cannot stay with Alabama for four quarters.