'16 CA QB Ian Book (Notre Dame Signed NLI)

[Riddickulous]

Agreed but I would really like to see what Jurkovec is capable of. . . .

If they were gonna bench Book, they would've done it after the Michigan game. I'm really excited to see if Book's performance over the last 5+ games carries over to next year.

I do wish they'd give Phil more PT in blowouts, though. Let him sling it.

 

[Irish#1]

Fine by me, easier bridge to Tyler Buchner.

Kidding aside... if we can get the Book we saw for the final 5 games for an entire season it'd be silly not to want him back. Played his position at a top 10 level.

I agree with you, however, the WR corps will not feature an elite Boykin/Claypool big body type Ian has seemed to favor. It will be a lot more explosive across the board if the top four are Austin/Keys/Johnson/Lenzy. I hope Ian can make the most of that group’s strengths.

Kmet will feast in the 2020 offense if he returns. If he doesn’t I’m not sure who fills that role. I don’t think that’s Tremble’s game.

Your absolutely right.. 33 wins in 3 years is awesome indeed. I was referring to the QB play. We can win all our supposed to win games with Book. Nothing terrible about that. Just don’t have faith that Book can lead us to a playoff win or beat Clemson next year. Hope I’m wrong!

I think this is very big for the team. Book's play was much better starting with the final drive of the VT game. I'm confident he's done with all of the outside noise which was his biggest issue as evidenced by his play from that point on. He was very poised and in control against ISU when so many thought they would beat us. I

We'll be fine with the receivers. He pointed to Boykin, then Claypool because they stepped up and got open. Whoever that guy is next year, Book will find him.

 

[Irish#1]

If they were gonna bench Book, they would've done it after the Michigan game. I'm really excited to see if Book's performance over the last 5+ games carries over to next year.

I do wish they'd give Phil more PT in blowouts, though. Let him sling it.

With Long gone we might see that.

 

[mgriff]

He's the best QB we have, but he's not elite and he will never be elite. I am grateful for Ian Book and how he's led the team, but I am not overjoyed he's coming back for his fifth year.

Why can we not develop a good, draftable QB? There is year one of success with BK's QBs, and then we see regression in year two. You can make the case that Book is our QB that has finally improved, marginally, in his second year starting.

Simply because some of us look at Book and do not see the results we'd like at the position, does not mean Ian Book is not the best player on the roster at QB. I am not of the mind we should be starting a fifth year QB who will be remembered in much the same manner as Tommy Rees is at ND; all good memories, gratitude, but ultimately, not a great QB. Not a shot, just trying to boil things down.

Why do we never develop talent at the QB position at ND? Why are we relying on these three star guys to come in and play better than their recruit rankings, but not like an elite QB in CFB? It's an elephant in the room and has been for BK's entire tenure at ND.

It's not me trying to shit on Book, the kid has done nothing wrong and he's a great representative of the University, I just do not see the reason for constant three stars starting over highly rated recruits, or we miss on QB targets, we analyze the position poorly; whatever the reason is, I would like BK to finally fix it.

 

[pumpdog20]

"I'm not thrilled that the best QB on the team, that led us to a 18-3 record the last two years, is coming back. I'd rather have the guy who can't even read the right play card, because some service said he was a 5 star."

-some ND fans

 

[mgriff]

"I'm not thrilled that the best QB on the team, that led us to a 18-3 record the last two years, is coming back. I'd rather have the guy who can't even read the right play card, because some service said he was a 5 star."

-some ND fans

Care to address the rest of it, or just take what you'd like to try and make a point? He's not an elite QB. The last five games, look at the competition. There's room to disagree, but at least be intellectually honest and take the entire comment in to consideration.

 

[koonja]

Guys, this is really good for 2020.

I wanted Book benched and I still wished that had happened for at least 2 games, but Phil gets another spring game and another off season to try to beat Book out. If he can't, it's his fault because Book certainly has his flaws.

But like was said above, if we get last 5 games of Book, it's good enough to compete with the right team around him.

I'm still extremely concerned about the WR group, and it's defcon 5 if Kmet doesn't return.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Guys, this is really good for 2020.

I wanted Book benched and I still wished that had happened for at least 2 games, but Phil gets another spring game and another off season to try to beat Book out. If he can't, it's his fault because Book certainly has his flaws.

But like was said above, if we get last 5 games of Book, it's good enough to compete with the right team around him.

I'm still extremely concerned about the WR group, and it's defcon 5 if Kmet doesn't return.

I’m not concerned about our WR groups I think it can be better. We have a ton of talent back and a ton of talent coming in. Let’s not forget Clemson won a title last year with a bunch of freshman WR’s

 

[POTUS2017]

"I'm not thrilled that the best QB on the team, that led us to a 18-3 record the last two years, is coming back. I'd rather have the guy who can't even read the right play card, because some service said he was a 5 star."

-some ND fans

23-3. But I see what you were doing there.

 

[IrishLax]

Care to address the rest of it, or just take what you'd like to try and make a point? He's not an elite QB. The last five games, look at the competition. There's room to disagree, but at least be intellectually honest and take the entire comment in to consideration.

QBR is opponent adjusted. So yes, we did look at the competition.

 

[NDdomer2]

i think the one thing that concerns me is ND still hasnt beat the elite teams with him. Is that a total roster thing or an Ian Book thing? Hard saying i suppose but we were really really good in 2018.

Regardless I am happy he is returning. I look forward to 4 straight years of really high level ND play.

 

[mgriff]

QBR is opponent adjusted. So yes, we did look at the competition.

Why do our three stars consistently outperform higher ranked QBs at ND?

Take a look at LSU prior to Burrow, always up there, considered a good team, but never making that final step. Talent on the rest of the roster can cover for deficiencies at the QB position. That is what I believe is happening.

I think Book outperforms his talent level, but that's it. He's not going to get drafted and will be a good QB for ND. While there's nothing wrong with that, I think we need to look at how we evaluate, recruit, and develop the QB position going forward, because this has been happening for years.

You can make the case I'm arguing against the guy who finally showed some improvement, but I think the talent surrounding this ND QB is finally good enough to mask deficiencies.

I certainly don't want Book to suck so I can say I'm right. I hope he comes in as a fifth year, is mentally light years ahead of everyone, and lights up CFB. I just do not believe that will happen having watched his QB play.

Enjoy that time at the QBR altar, I hope you're right!

 

[NDdomer2]

Why do our three stars consistently outperform higher ranked QBs at ND?

Take a look at LSU prior to Burrow, always up there, considered a good team, but never making that final step. Talent on the rest of the roster can cover for deficiencies at the QB position. That is what I believe is happening.

I think Book outperforms his talent level, but that's it. He's not going to get drafted and will be a good QB for ND. While there's nothing wrong with that, I think we need to look at how we evaluate, recruit, and develop the QB position going forward, because this has been happening for years.

You can make the case I'm arguing against the guy who finally showed some improvement, but I think the talent surrounding this ND QB is finally good enough to mask deficiencies.

I certainly don't want Book to suck so I can say I'm right. I hope he comes in as a fifth year, is mentally light years ahead of everyone, and lights up CFB. I just do not believe that will happen having watched his QB play.

Enjoy that time at the QBR altar, I hope you're right!

if there was some magic way to evaluate and recruit the position I am sure someone would have figured it out by now. You just cant project how a kid is going to mature and develop.

Seems like there are only 1 or 2 cant miss kind of kids a year and I dont know if ND had the program to offer those kids what they wanted until just recently. Even still - do those two kids want to play school for their 3 year dress rehearsal for the NFL?

 

[IrishLax]

Why do our three stars consistently outperform higher ranked QBs at ND?

Take a look at LSU prior to Burrow, always up there, considered a good team, but never making that final step. Talent on the rest of the roster can cover for deficiencies at the QB position. That is what I believe is happening.

Is it ironic then that Joe Burrow was a 3-star on some services? While 5-star after 5-star failed at LSU?

I don't believe Book is bad, I think he is simply limited in his upside. His limitations come from height and arm strength. But he clearly showed over the last 5 games of the season that when the game plan isn't holding him back he can play the position at VERY high level. Good enough to win a championship? Doubtful. But the coaches have shown repeatedly that they will bench a more senior player for a more talented underclassmen, and that isn't happening here. You don't punt on a top 10ish QB (that's the level he played at for the last month+) for an unknown quantity unless you believe they are special. And the staff clearly doesn't think that.

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

Is it ironic then that Joe Burrow was a 3-star on some services? While 5-star after 5-star failed at LSU?

I don't believe Book is bad, I think he is simply limited in his upside. His limitations come from height and arm strength. But he clearly showed over the last 5 games of the season that when the game plan isn't holding him back he can play the position at VERY high level. Good enough to win a championship? Doubtful. But the coaches have shown repeatedly that they will bench a more senior player for a more talented underclassmen, and that isn't happening here. You don't punt on a top 10ish QB (that's the level he played at for the last month+) for an unknown quantity unless you believe they are special. And the staff clearly doesn't think that.

This is where I'm at. The new OC whoever it is, needs to understand who and what Book is and call the game accordingly. Not what they ' want to do'.

 

[mgriff]

Is it ironic then that Joe Burrow was a 3-star on some services? While 5-star after 5-star failed at LSU?

I don't believe Book is bad, I think he is simply limited in his upside. His limitations come from height and arm strength. But he clearly showed over the last 5 games of the season that when the game plan isn't holding him back he can play the position at VERY high level. Good enough to win a championship? Doubtful. But the coaches have shown repeatedly that they will bench a more senior player for a more talented underclassmen, and that isn't happening here. You don't punt on a top 10ish QB (that's the level he played at for the last month+) for an unknown quantity unless you believe they are special. And the staff clearly doesn't think that.

Exactly what I'm saying, there were highly rated QBs to LSU for years, and unheralded recruits. No one was terribly successful but the three stars generally outperformed their expectations and started a whole lot of games. LSU finally changed things, offensive coordinator, passing game coordinator, and they are successful. We can't develop the five stars and we can only develop the three stars to serviceable or good QBs. There seems to be a hard cap on QB play here. Why?

The highlight for LSU, that I think you're ignoring, is how long their talent at other positions on the field covered for their woeful QB play. It was a major (not sole) issue holding them back and I see some similarities at ND. The talent on the rest of our roster is certainly not like for like based on what they compiled down in Baton Rouge, but I think the similarities are there. Watching the games I feel our talent at other positions helps Book look better than he is. And I'm not trying to shit on the kid. He's not a bad QB, I simply want to know why we've had all these hiccups developing the position for years.

I never once said Ian Book was a bad QB or he should leave and I don't want him to play QB at ND. I am not saying we should punt on Phil either. I'm under no illusions that I see more of the QBs than the coaches every day. If they think the team is better positioned to win with Book, I agree with that. Taking the last five games and trying to say it proves Book improved drastically, whether QBR accounts for opposition quality, is not going to convince me. Those teams were not good at all. We were better all over the field and it makes the QB position look better than it is, from my perspective.

What I can't understand, is the year on year regression from the QB position. We all get excited the first year with the potential, and the growth never materializes. Why? I cannot accept that it's just hard and we should just be grateful for whatever QBs we turn up and put out. Sure we should be grateful, but we can also try out some solutions. I have no doubt BK is, but I'm not privy to those meetings so I surmise here.

I hope Book is finally the exception here and he lights it up, but with ND's QB history under BK, it should be completely understandable why I'm hesitant to get on board.

 

[Irish2155]

I'm torn, leaning toward the side of optimism but guarded. I can see both sides.

Last 5 games were encouraging but that was my expectation to start the season. Hopefully he's moved past that "second year slump" and is dialed into something special in 2020. Why it took so long...IDK but a lot of fingers being pointed, so we'll go with the the OC. Benefit of the doubt, I guess/hope.

Have to win some big games. That is what it now all comes down to. We've thankfully built to the point we beat teams we should...that is so great given where we came from but still not where we all want to be. That is why Kelly's words re: taking this team (recruiting) to the next level spoke volumes to me more than any other coach speak I've heard in some time.

This is where I see the other side...you either think Book is the best guy to win that big game(s), or you've lost faith. PJ is highly rated, has all the tools, so on and so forth. But Book has shown he can be a top 10 QB but not consistently and certainly not in the biggest of games.

I do think as long as this program continues it's trajectory, we're in for some very golden years soon to come...has taken longer than most of us like, of course, but we're a QB away.

 

[ND87]

This is where I'm at. The new OC whoever it is, needs to understand who and what Book is and call the game accordingly. Not what they ' want to do'.

THIS.
I truly believe this has been the problem with all the QBs (except for Tommy) under Kelly. I think he has done a lot of forcing square pegs into round holes, which screwed with players' heads and confidence.

Tommy often "checked us into the right play" at the line - something that was mentioned ad nauseum then, but not so much with anyone since. He basically had the balls to override Kelly at the line.

This is probably the biggest reason I'm kind of supportive of TR getting at least Co-OC job... he know what Kelly wants to do at the 10,000 foot level, and I think having been there himself will be able to communicate it properly to the players, at the on-the-ground level, without the loss of confidence, bewilderment or over-thinking I think all the others have suffered.

 

[ThePiombino]

23-3. But I see what you were doing there.

No, he's right. Book wasn't the starter until the WF game in 2018. Wimbush gets the Ws for the first few games that season.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Luckylucci]

THIS.
I truly believe this has been the problem with all the QBs (except for Tommy) under Kelly. I think he has done a lot of forcing square pegs into round holes, which screwed with players' heads and confidence.

Tommy often "checked us into the right play" at the line - something that was mentioned ad nauseum then, but not so much with anyone since. He basically had the balls to override Kelly at the line.
This is probably the biggest reason I'm kind of supportive of TR getting at least Co-OC job... he know what Kelly wants to do at the 10,000 foot level, and I think having been there himself will be able to communicate it properly to the players, at the on-the-ground level, without the loss of confidence, bewilderment or over-thinking I think all the others have suffered.

He is one of the only QB's that has stood up to Kelly on the sideline which has been noted before but this isn't why he was changing plays. Kelly's offense would fairly frequently have two plays called in, one run and one pass. It was up to the QB to decide which play to run based on the defense alignment, numbers in the box, etc. Tommy was just exceptional at being able to discern which play to run. It didn't really have much to do with overriding Kelly as much as doing exactly what Kelly wanted.

 

[BobbyMac]

As the President of the 5*Phil Fan Club, I will go on record as saying it's Book's team until it isn't. The staff had the perfect 2018 Wake scenario to put Phil in during the 2nd half of Michigan but they feel he isn't ready, so that's that.

It is frustrating to see Lawrence and Fields balling out while Phil sits the bench. I don't care what anyone says, I saw Phil play multiple times (not just highlights) and while Lawrence has been the most important QB not in the NFL for 5 years now, Phil compared very well to Fields in HS. All these... can't throw a spiral, throws balls in the dirt, blah blah blah didn't exist until he showed up in San Antonio two months into basketball season with no FB prep. Did the staff lose their 2015 play calling list that was dumbed down for Kizer after Malik broke his leg??? That's perfect for Phil. Run, Run, Bomb. Run, Bomb, Run. 30 yd TE post, Run, Run. Phil would kill that.

...and you wanna see our "mediocre" RB's and run blocking improve in a snap? Put someone in not afraid to throw a deep INT for every 5 long TD's and watch 2 safeties play at NFL depth and the LB's sitting on their heels.

But we are where we are and it's not a bad place. Book is Tommy Rees who throws WAY less INT's and has very underrated wheels. If you want the most out of him and a chance to beat Clemson, you have to take a page out of Dabo's script vs. OSU, run your QB at the right time. Book's scripted runs are VERY effective and Kelly can't be afraid to let him run.

Next year I think the floor is another 11-2 season, if you go 11-1 you will get a tough bowl or maybe the playoffs if the W is vs Clemson. If you go 10-2 you get a bowl that you should be favored.

The reason I've hoped Phil would be QB1 in '20 is 2021 is set up to be a window. The current elite QB's will be gone and ND's tough games are @ rebuilding FSU, SC and Wicy at Soldier Field. A rising Purdue will come to SB along with Toledo, Cincy, GT, Navy and UNC. The other @ games are manageable = VT, UVa and a fading Stanford.

That is the year to strike.

 

[Irish2155]

As the President of the 5*Phil Fan Club, I will go on record as saying it's Book's team until it isn't. The staff had the perfect 2018 Wake scenario to put Phil in during the 2nd half of Michigan but they feel he isn't ready, so that's that.

It is frustrating to see Lawrence and Fields balling out while Phil sits the bench. I don't care what anyone says, I saw Phil play multiple times (not just highlights) and while Lawrence has been the most important QB not in the NFL for 5 years now, Phil compared very well to Fields in HS. All these... can't throw a spiral, throws balls in the dirt, blah blah blah didn't exist until he showed up in San Antonio two months into basketball season with no FB prep. Did the staff lose their 2015 play calling list that was dumbed down for Kizer after Malik broke his leg??? That's perfect for Phil. Run, Run, Bomb. Run, Bomb, Run. 30 yd TE post, Run, Run. Phil would kill that.

...and you wanna see our "mediocre" RB's and run blocking improve in a snap? Put someone in not afraid to throw a deep INT for every 5 long TD's and watch 2 safeties play at NFL depth and the LB's sitting on their heels.

But we are where we are and it's not a bad place. Book is Tommy Rees who throws WAY less INT's and has very underrated wheels. If you want the most out of him and a chance to beat Clemson, you have to take a page out of Dabo's script vs. OSU, run your QB at the right time. Book's scripted runs are VERY effective and Kelly can't be afraid to let him run.

Next year I think the floor is another 11-2 season, if you go 11-1 you will get a tough bowl or maybe the playoffs if the W is vs Clemson. If you go 10-2 you get a bowl that you should be favored.

The reason I've hoped Phil would be QB1 in '20 is 2021 is set up to be a window. The current elite QB's will be gone and ND's tough games are @ rebuilding FSU, SC and Wicy at Soldier Field. A rising Purdue will come to SB along with Toledo, Cincy, GT, Navy and UNC. The other @ games are manageable = VT, UVa and a fading Stanford.

That is the year to strike.

With all due respect, I disagree. Understood the 2021 schedule lines up favorably. But with the playoff alignment that means shit as we now need to beat 2 good teams to hoist a title.

It's all about beating the good teams, our next step...not just getting there. 2020 brings Clemson at home and that seems like a good place to start.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

Exactly what I'm saying, there were highly rated QBs to LSU for years, and unheralded recruits. No one was terribly successful but the three stars generally outperformed their expectations and started a whole lot of games. LSU finally changed things, offensive coordinator, passing game coordinator, and they are successful. We can't develop the five stars and we can only develop the three stars to serviceable or good QBs. There seems to be a hard cap on QB play here. Why?

The highlight for LSU, that I think you're ignoring, is how long their talent at other positions on the field covered for their woeful QB play. It was a major (not sole) issue holding them back and I see some similarities at ND. The talent on the rest of our roster is certainly not like for like based on what they compiled down in Baton Rouge, but I think the similarities are there. Watching the games I feel our talent at other positions helps Book look better than he is. And I'm not trying to shit on the kid. He's not a bad QB, I simply want to know why we've had all these hiccups developing the position for years.

I never once said Ian Book was a bad QB or he should leave and I don't want him to play QB at ND. I am not saying we should punt on Phil either. I'm under no illusions that I see more of the QBs than the coaches every day. If they think the team is better positioned to win with Book, I agree with that. Taking the last five games and trying to say it proves Book improved drastically, whether QBR accounts for opposition quality, is not going to convince me. Those teams were not good at all. We were better all over the field and it makes the QB position look better than it is, from my perspective.

What I can't understand, is the year on year regression from the QB position. We all get excited the first year with the potential, and the growth never materializes. Why? I cannot accept that it's just hard and we should just be grateful for whatever QBs we turn up and put out. Sure we should be grateful, but we can also try out some solutions. I have no doubt BK is, but I'm not privy to those meetings so I surmise here.

I hope Book is finally the exception here and he lights it up, but with ND's QB history under BK, it should be completely understandable why I'm hesitant to get on board.

I'm not sure if you realize that the receivers absolutely did not help Ian early on. They didn't get separation, they had drops. Not saying Book didn't have his own WTF moments but when there is literally no rushing attack and your receivers are not helping out a struggling QB, not sure what you expect.

 

[GATTACA!]

I think this is very big for the team. Book's play was much better starting with the final drive of the VT game. I'm confident he's done with all of the outside noise which was his biggest issue as evidenced by his play from that point on. He was very poised and in control against ISU when so many thought they would beat us. I

We'll be fine with the receivers. He pointed to Boykin, then Claypool because they stepped up and got open. Whoever that guy is next year, Book will find him.

Or it could just be that we played a bunch of cupcakes past that point.

I'll just put it this way, I sure hope 11-1 is good enough to make the playoffs next year....

 

[ulukinatme]

Guys, this is really good for 2020.

I wanted Book benched and I still wished that had happened for at least 2 games, but Phil gets another spring game and another off season to try to beat Book out. If he can't, it's his fault because Book certainly has his flaws.

But like was said above, if we get last 5 games of Book, it's good enough to compete with the right team around him.

I'm still extremely concerned about the WR group, and it's defcon 5 if Kmet doesn't return.

I'm a bit concerned about the WR group as well. I hope Austin comes back, and I hope Lenzy continues to improve. We're losing a lot of experience with Claypool and Finke. When Finke was playing injured, Claypool was the only reliable target we had. We need the younger guys to step up in a big way for 2020. This reminds me a lot of the transition in 2016. We had lost Fuller, Amir Carlisle, and Chris Brown after 2015, all of which were experienced and pretty reliable guys. We were left with Torii Hunter, a young EQ, and CJ Sanders. It took that group time to find their groove (If they ever did) and it led to a pretty bad season. We can't afford that. We get 4 games and a bye before we play Wisconsin. Those guys need to be firing on all cylinders before the first weekend in October, because Wisconsin will try to stymie our run game to force the pass.

 

[fightingirish26]

I'm a bit concerned about the WR group as well. I hope Austin comes back, and I hope Lenzy continues to improve. We're losing a lot of experience with Claypool and Finke. When Finke was playing injured, Claypool was the only reliable target we had. We need the younger guys to step up in a big way for 2020. This reminds me a lot of the transition in 2016. We had lost Fuller, Amir Carlisle, and Chris Brown after 2015, all of which were experienced and pretty reliable guys. We were left with Torii Hunter, a young EQ, and CJ Sanders. It took that group time to find their groove (If they ever did) and it led to a pretty bad season. We can't afford that. We get 4 games and a bye before we play Wisconsin. Those guys need to be firing on all cylinders before the first weekend in October, because Wisconsin will try to stymie our run game to force the pass.

I am confident that Austin will be back, and I'm buying all the hype. He should be hungry as well.

I could be wrong, but wasn't Keys mostly used on the outside this year? If he's transitioning to full time slot, that should make him more effective.

This offseason will be huge for Lenzy. Hopefully he can put on 5-10 pounds and improve as a WR. He already announced that he's giving up track so I think he'll be focused and bought in during the spring.

Beyond that, we have Wilkins, who I think is as hungry as Austin. I could see him making moves in the spring. If he doesn't, maybe we could put him at corner, where we originally recruited him to play?

5* WRs play as freshman at top programs. Floyd was big time as a freshman here. Jordan Johnson, you're up.

Finally, Micah Jones is the only one on the roster now with that Boykin/Claypool type length. That could get him on the field.

I don't see KAR or the other freshmen pushing for time just yet. But between the six above, I feel cautiously optimistic. Kmet coming back would also take a little bit of pressure off the group, but we'll see about that. (Final thought, Jafar looks painfully out of place as a RB. I'd not rule out moving him back to WR.)

 

[stlnd01]

Why do our three stars consistently outperform higher ranked QBs at ND?

Take a look at LSU prior to Burrow, always up there, considered a good team, but never making that final step. Talent on the rest of the roster can cover for deficiencies at the QB position. That is what I believe is happening.

I think Book outperforms his talent level, but that's it. He's not going to get drafted and will be a good QB for ND. While there's nothing wrong with that, I think we need to look at how we evaluate, recruit, and develop the QB position going forward, because this has been happening for years.

You can make the case I'm arguing against the guy who finally showed some improvement, but I think the talent surrounding this ND QB is finally good enough to mask deficiencies.

I certainly don't want Book to suck so I can say I'm right. I hope he comes in as a fifth year, is mentally light years ahead of everyone, and lights up CFB. I just do not believe that will happen having watched his QB play.

Enjoy that time at the QBR altar, I hope you're right!

To answer your question, I don’t know why they regress. I do think that being QB1 at Notre Dame is a very hard job, harder than most, and not everyone is mentally tough enough to handle it. Maybe three-star kids who didn’t float through high school on a cloud of otherworldly talent but had to work for it are better equipped. Maybe there’s some flaw in BK’s development as well, I don’t know.

I do know that in the second half of this year Book showed the sort of traits that suggest he’a mentally tough enough to push through that, and I think that will fare him well in what will be, effectively, his third year as a starter (our first three-year starter QB since Clausen, though maybe you count Rees as one).

That said, I also agree that Book has a physical ceiling. He has less-than-elite arm strength and still locks in favored receivers (who tend to be big targets but not especially fast). The best defenses have been able to shut him down. I guess the story of 2020, and Book’s career at Notre Dame, will boil down to whether he can improve enough, and we can shape the offense to his strengths enough, and whether the rest of the team is good enough, to punch through that ceiling. We’ll see.

 

[Irishize]

Is it ironic then that Joe Burrow was a 3-star on some services? While 5-star after 5-star failed at LSU?

I don't believe Book is bad, I think he is simply limited in his upside. His limitations come from height and arm strength. But he clearly showed over the last 5 games of the season that when the game plan isn't holding him back he can play the position at VERY high level. Good enough to win a championship? Doubtful. But the coaches have shown repeatedly that they will bench a more senior player for a more talented underclassmen, and that isn't happening here. You don't punt on a top 10ish QB (that's the level he played at for the last month+) for an unknown quantity unless you believe they are special. And the staff clearly doesn't think that.

I think he’s more top 15 but overall I agree with you. Let’s talk about what we can all agree on: Book needs to do what he did the final five games of the season against a big-time opponent. When he’s faced a top defense, he’s looked like a deer in the headlights and when you isolate his #s against top 50 defenses, is numbers take a considerable dip. I wish one of those teams were among the final 5 he faced but that’s not his fault & the kid TCB’d. He’s gotta get better b/c next year’s schedule won’t be as forgiving as this year’s IMO.

 

[T-Boone]

Or it could just be that we played a bunch of cupcakes past that point.

I'll just put it this way, I sure hope 11-1 is good enough to make the playoffs next year....

It could be because I bet we at least compete hard with Clemson at home. They might beat us but it will be close.

 

[Irish#1]

Or it could just be that we played a bunch of cupcakes past that point.

I'll just put it this way, I sure hope 11-1 is good enough to make the playoffs next year....

It's been reported multiple times and was rehashed during the bowl game that the change came during the VT game. Both BK and TR had talked to Book and was told to ignore social media and quit trying to live up to the expectations of the fans. The last drive against VT he was forced to throw some long passes we rarely saw and he was successful. Those passes along with punching it in raised his confidence immensely IMO. Regardless of the competition, Book stepped it up big time.

As far as not developing QB's, the NFL is littered with guys who had great college stats but failed miserably in the NFL. There are plenty of them in college who were HS stars and don't live up to expectations. Some feasted on HS talent and can't adjust to the speed of the game. Some have the talent, but can't handle the complexities at the college level (which appears to be PJ's issue).

I am one that doesn't think Book will play in the NFL, but I think he's good enough to get us another 11 or more wins and a possible shot at the playoffs next year.