Looking to 2019

[calvegas04]

Can't wait for all the 2019 hype videos with clips of people talking about ND not belonging in the playoffs.

 

[BobbyMac]

If Hayes doesnt come back, its definitely not to go to NFL. Hes a back up and his production is null. I'm 95% sure hell be back, but if he isnt, it's likely due to a transfer to get more PT.

But he gets plenty of PT here as the 2nd WDE so I doubt he'd be a flight risk.

No idea on Wilkins, I just think he has to be faster than Boykin.

Who got more snaps, him or Okwara? Even when Okwara was in, he moved inside or to the other side.

As far as transferring: Unless he graduates in June, he's not leaving ND without a degree via transfer. He didn't redshirt so he'd have to sit out '19 and then play during his 5th year and then you run into the next school raking all of your credits which is tough to do as most schools have a max # they will accept. Now he did EE and he's had 3 summers to earn credits too. My guess is he could graduate in June if his FT&T classes lined up correctly.

Devin Studstill is the guy I could see bouncing early. He was an EE and a Soc major which should have plenty of classes to choose from (including summer) to graduate early.

 

[Irishize]

The problem is Notre Dame...and everyone not named Alabama...NEEDS an elite QB to be a championship level team. Book, love that guy...but he ain't it.

Listening to II podcast, both Prister & Sampson said that while Jurkovec has the superior arm strength & scrambling ability, his accuracy pales in comparison to Book. Until PJ can approach Book’s accuracy, Book is the starter. After all, that’s what gave him the nod over Wimbush after the Vandy game.

 

[NDMIA]

Listening to II podcast, both Prister & Sampson said that while Jurkovec has the superior arm strength & scrambling ability, his accuracy pales in comparison to Book. Until PJ can approach Book’s accuracy, Book is the starter. After all, that’s what gave him the nod over Wimbush after the Vandy game.

10-1 as the QB playing the majority of the game. #6 QBR for the 2018 season in college football. Two QB’s have been in the top 10 for ND in the history of the QBR stat (started 2003). Brady Quinn #10 & #6 in 2005 & 2006. So In the last 15 seasons, Ian Book had one of the best W/L records as a starting QB, had arguably the best season for an ND QB in 15 years as the starting QB according to QBR, and had the 9th beat completion percentage in the entire FBS this season. He’s the starting QB at ND in 2019 & 2020 if he wants to be so get in love with him. If he sucks all of the sudden then maybe PJ could take over but he damn sure earned himself a longer leash than any of BK’s previous QB’s.

 

[nd_fan]

10-1 as the QB playing the majority of the game. #6 QBR for the 2018 season in college football. Two QB’s have been in the top 10 for ND in the history of the QBR stat (started 2003). Brady Quinn #10 & #6 in 2005 & 2006. So In the last 15 seasons, Ian Book had one of the best W/L records as a starting QB, had arguably the best season for an ND QB in 15 years as the starting QB according to QBR, and had the 9th beat completion percentage in the entire FBS this season. He’s the starting QB at ND in 2019 & 2020 if he wants to be so get in love with him. If he sucks all of the sudden then maybe PJ could take over but he damn sure earned himself a longer leash than any of BK’s previous QB’s.

Isn’t most of Book’s passing completion come from short passes? Kinda hard to have an explosive offense when your QB sucks at deep throws and keep under throwing his receivers in the deep passes.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

10-1 as the QB playing the majority of the game. #6 QBR for the 2018 season in college football. Two QB’s have been in the top 10 for ND in the history of the QBR stat (started 2003). Brady Quinn #10 & #6 in 2005 & 2006. So In the last 15 seasons, Ian Book had one of the best W/L records as a starting QB, had arguably the best season for an ND QB in 15 years as the starting QB according to QBR, and had the 9th beat completion percentage in the entire FBS this season. He’s the starting QB at ND in 2019 & 2020 if he wants to be so get in love with him. If he sucks all of the sudden then maybe PJ could take over but he damn sure earned himself a longer leash than any of BK’s previous QB’s.

His completion % dropped every game since Navy. I'm pretty sure his qbr steadily declined over the same span. It may be opposing defenses know how to scheme against him now (eg take away the short passes by crowding the line of scrimmage) or maybe hes the latest QB to regress under Kelly.

 

[Luckylucci]

Listening to II podcast, both Prister & Sampson said that while Jurkovec has the superior arm strength & scrambling ability, his accuracy pales in comparison to Book. Until PJ can approach Book’s accuracy, Book is the starter. After all, that’s what gave him the nod over Wimbush after the Vandy game.

As if Prister and Sampson have any reasonable amount of information to make an informed decision, but they’ll act like they do. How many 7 on 7 or 11 on 11 reps have they seen in the last 3 months? How many reps is Phil even getting up to this point? Wimbush has been the backup since October, lol.

 

[Irish YJ]

His completion % dropped every game since Navy. I'm pretty sure his qbr steadily declined over the same span. It may be opposing defenses know how to scheme against him now (eg take away the short passes by crowding the line of scrimmage) or maybe hes the latest QB to regress under Kelly.

Navy was 90.6
NW was 94.1
FSU - out
Cuse which was post rib/kidney was 75.4
USC was 88.1

NW was higher than Navy. Book's season average was 82, and good enough for 6th in the nation. 2 of the games post Navy were above his season average, and 75.4 is still top 25. Long was also opening up the playbook a lot post VT (each game was something a little new), so not a bad trend at all. Clemson was awful though.

 

[nd_fan]

Navy was 90.6
NW was 94.1
FSU - out
Cuse which was post rib/kidney was 75.4
USC was 88.1

NW was higher than Navy. Book's season average was 82, and good enough for 6th in the nation. 2 of the games post Navy were above his season average, and 75.4 is still top 25. Long was also opening up the playbook a lot post VT (each game was something a little new), so not a bad trend at all. Clemson was awful though.

That sounds likes his QBR dropped when we played better defenses.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

Navy was 90.6
NW was 94.1
FSU - out
Cuse which was post rib/kidney was 75.4
USC was 88.1

NW was higher than Navy. Book's season average was 82, and good enough for 6th in the nation. 2 of the games post Navy were above his season average, and 75.4 is still top 25. Long was also opening up the playbook a lot post VT (each game was something a little new), so not a bad trend at all. Clemson was awful though.

Looks like I was clearly wrong about the QBR. It just felt like Book came in guns blazing then slowly fizzled out later in the year. Which is pretty deflating because I thought he was "the guy" finally (and maybe he still is). I'd just like to see a QB get more effective as time passes under Kelly.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

And maybe with the combination of more speed at WR, better protection by a more experienced offensive line, and more work throwing the deep ball in the offseason Book can get to the next level.

 

[fightingirish26]

And maybe with the combination of more speed at WR, better protection by a more experienced offensive line, and more work throwing the deep ball in the offseason Book can get to the next level.

I mean, I was on this site a few days ago saying I think we need PJ if we want to compete with the elite. I still would personally be very excited if he can beat Book out, as that would make me believe he is the truth.

That said, Book clearly excels in the short passing game. We saw what game breaking speed can do for the short passing game when Fuller was here. How many screens did he take to the house? Boykin, Claypool, Finke are never gonna do that. If we can involve the younger, faster guys, we can still play to Book's strengths and become more explosive in the process. Plus, easier to throw the deep ball to someone like Lenzy than Boykin. Yeah, Boykin has the height and the ball skills, but the throw has to be pretty spot on, he isn't gonna run under just anything you chuck up.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Did anyone else see Tyler James' tweet about Phil? Phil was quoted "It's hard not playing, but I'll never stop competing. I'm gonna keep testing the defenses, and keep competing with Ian. I'm gonna try my hardest to get on that field somehow."

Hopefully PJ comes in red hot this spring, and is clearly heads and tails above Book, so we can make the switch. Book is a backup, and lacks the downfield prowess to beat the elite teams on our schedule next season. I think the Georgia's on our schedule can just replicate Clemsons approach and shut Book down. Hell, if it's even close to PJ being the better option, I hope CBK makes the move. Anyone think that Phil would ever transfer? It's kind of a slap in the face to have a 3-star guy with obvious limitations playing in front of you (should BK hold with Ian as starter next season).

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

I mean, I was on this site a few days ago saying I think we need PJ if we want to compete with the elite. I still would personally be very excited if he can beat Book out, as that would make me believe he is the truth.

That said, Book clearly excels in the short passing game. We saw what game breaking speed can do for the short passing game when Fuller was here. How many screens did he take to the house? Boykin, Claypool, Finke are never gonna do that. If we can involve the younger, faster guys, we can still play to Book's strengths and become more explosive in the process. Plus, easier to throw the deep ball to someone like Lenzy than Boykin. Yeah, Boykin has the height and the ball skills, but the throw has to be pretty spot on, he isn't gonna run under just anything you chuck up.

It doesn't really matter how fast the guys are if the throws are 5 yards off, or if he isn't leading the receiver. I'd be stunned if PJ didn't win the job next spring.

 

[Irish#1]

So Book and the O-line had a bad game against the 2nd best team in the country and all of a sudden Phil needs to play?

Not all of the blame should go to O-line for the Clemson game, but Clemson was getting constant pressure which is going to affect Book's play. Sure he bailed too early a few times, but that was due to the pressure and his internal clock telling him to move. I got blasted earlier this year when I said Book was more of a game manager, but that's what he is.

1. Book has a good FB IQ, but this was just his first season. I think you'll see improvement next year.
2. Book doesn't have the arm strength to go deep with any velocity so the game plan is designed around his strengths and avoids his weaknesses. Given human anatomy, you won't see any major improvement in his arm strength next year.
3. I was watching Phill a little during warmups at the Cotton Bowl. The ball jumps off his arm, but his throws weren't precise. The staff won't play Phil over Book if he can't hit the short and intermediate throws. As exciting as the deep ball is, the short and intermediate passes are what loosens up defenses for the run and deep ball.
4. Book came in as a replacement, so the pressure to perform wasn't as great as if he had been the starter all season. It will be interesting to see how he develops.
5. The O-line was young this year. I expect they will be much better next year.

I personally think Book will be #1 next season.

 

[Free Manera]

So Book and the O-line had a bad game against the 2nd best team in the country and all of a sudden Phil needs to play?

Not all of the blame should go to O-line for the Clemson game, but Clemson was getting constant pressure which is going to affect Book's play. Sure he bailed too early a few times, but that was due to the pressure and his internal clock telling him to move. I got blasted earlier this year when I said Book was more of a game manager, but that's what he is.

1. Book has a good FB IQ, but this was just his first season. I think you'll see improvement next year.
2. Book doesn't have the arm strength to go deep with any velocity so the game plan is designed around his strengths and avoids his weaknesses. Given human anatomy, you won't see any major improvement in his arm strength next year.
3. I was watching Phill a little during warmups at the Cotton Bowl. The ball jumps off his arm, but his throws weren't precise. The staff won't play Phil over Book if he can't hit the short and intermediate throws. As exciting as the deep ball is, the short and intermediate passes are what loosens up defenses for the run and deep ball.
4. Book came in as a replacement, so the pressure to perform wasn't as great as if he had been the starter all season. It will be interesting to see how he develops.
5. The O-line was young this year. I expect they will be much better next year.

I personally think Book will be #1 next season.

It wasn't just one game though. Pitt exposed the limitations of a 2018 Book-led offense. Georgia will neuter this offense just like Clemson did if the QB can't make throws to the short, intermediate and deep zones. USC and Michigan may as well if their athletes meet their potential next year.

I think Book needs to improve the deep ball significantly to retain the starter role.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Looks like I was clearly wrong about the QBR. It just felt like Book came in guns blazing then slowly fizzled out later in the year. Which is pretty deflating because I thought he was "the guy" finally (and maybe he still is). I'd just like to see a QB get more effective as time passes under Kelly.

The concern I have is that the way to defend Book also helps teams defend the running game; rather than having to do one at the cost of the other. From the Pitt game forward here are ND's rushing stats by game:

ATT-YDS-AVG
38 - 80 - 2.1 (Pitt)
43 - 254 - 5.9 (Navy)
40 - 121 - 3.0 (Northwestern)
50 - 365 - 7.3 (FSU) - [Wimbush]
36 - 171 - 4.8 (Syracuse)
31 - 121 - 3.9 (USC)
35 - 88 - 2.5 (Clemson)

The way teams defend Ian Book allows them to take on the run game as well. I don't think there is much possibility for ND to be a better offense next season if they can't consistently threaten to throw over the safeties. Maybe Ian Book can be that guy but I am worried.

 

[IRISHMAN]

any chance that Jarrett Patterson and Joshua lugg make the starting lineup on the OL in 2019? don't feel that any of the starting OL in 2018 played well enough to guarantee themselves a starting spot next season.

 

[beryirish]

We all saw it happen with Wimbush being benched for Book. Ever since 4-8, we know that Kelly isn't going to hesitate to do something that will make his team compete, players and coaches included. So if PJ is truly better than Book come next season, coach won't hesitate to start him.

 

[beryirish]

any chance that Jarrett Patterson and Joshua lugg make the starting lineup on the OL in 2019? don't feel that any of the starting OL in 2018 played well enough to guarantee themselves a starting spot next season.

I'm sure Patterson definitely will not start. Don't know where Lugg is on the totem poll.

But another year of development for Eich-Banks-Ruhland-Kraemer-Hains I'm very optimistic in these guys.

 

[NDIrish88]

Is Hainsey really going to be at RT next year? I feel like the should be on the interior and maybe try Banks at RT, or even Lugg.

 

[anarin]

We all saw it happen with Wimbush being benched for Book. Ever since 4-8, we know that Kelly isn't going to hesitate to do something that will make his team compete, players and coaches included. So if PJ is truly better than Book come next season, coach won't hesitate to start him.

The only way PJ plays over Book is if he gets hurt or melts down. I believe Book will improve on things he needs to (happy feet in the pocket, down field accuracy) and we wont see much of PJ.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Is Hainsey really going to be at RT next year? I feel like the should be on the interior and maybe try Banks at RT, or even Lugg.

I like Hainsey and think he is really good player, but is half a step to slow to play RT. I 100% agree with you that Banks and Hainsey should switch spots. my main concern on the OL next year is center...

 

[BabyIrish]

I like Hainsey and think he is really good player, but is half a step to slow to play RT. I 100% agree with you that Banks and Hainsey should switch spots. my main concern on the OL next year is center...

Banks a massive dude, is he even fast enough to play a tackle position?

 

[NDIrish88]

Banks a massive dude, is he even fast enough to play a tackle position?

I was concerned about that as well

 

[NDMIA]

Is Hainsey really going to be at RT next year? I feel like the should be on the interior and maybe try Banks at RT, or even Lugg.

LT .9614 4* RS JR Liam Eichenberg
LG .9301 4* RS SO Aaron Banks
C .9605 4* JR Robert Hainsey
RG .9835 5* RS JR Tommy Kraemer
RT .9443 4* RS SO Josh Lugg

I’d love to see these 5 guys start. I actually don’t know where they’d be best in terms of positional fit but as long as they can get these 5 guys on the field that would be awesome. I like Trevor Ruhland but I don’t know if he’s gonna be able to compete against the top interiors in the country and I think that’s what ND should be shooting for. I really hope the line makes strides cause those 5 from a recruiting perspective are probably the most talented collective 5 that ND has ever had on one line if they all started together. I’m not at all saying that this line is better than a Quenton Nelson or a Mike McGlinchey but just saying that the talent is there and that’s an entire line of 6’5” - 6’7” 300-320lb monsters. It would be nice if they had this line gelling from March spring ball all the way until September football.

 

[NDisme]

Banks a massive dude, is he even fast enough to play a tackle position?

Yea seems like more of a road grater than a nimble tackle but maybe I’m wrong

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Banks a massive dude, is he even fast enough to play a tackle position?

I was concerned about that as well

Yea seems like more of a road grater than a nimble tackle but maybe I’m wrong

Banks has been practicing at tackle during fall camp I believe. After Bars got injured is when he moved to OG, because he was practicing so well the coaches wanted him on the field. This is what I recall, but I could be wrong.

I think Banks is a big dancing bear and can more than handle his own at RT.

 

[NDisme]

He’s one of the 5 best we have so wherever he fits I’m good with it

 

[BabyIrish]

He’s one of the 5 best we have so wherever he fits I’m good with it

Yeah, he obviously needs to be on the field, just wasn't sure how nimble or agile he was to play tackle. The coaches know better than me and we'll get him in the best spot for our team to succeed.