Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. North Carolina in Week 6

3. Book throws for 250 yards

Yes, you read that right. Backup quarterback Ian Book is currently in the position to record his first Notre Dame start. Junior Brandon Wimbush, who would typically be the Irish starter, is currently in a walking boot after reporting soreness in his foot. While Wimbush was removed prior to the fourth quarter of last week’s win over the RedHawks, it appeared to be due to the score, not injury.

Kelly has already downplayed the significance of the injury, reporting that MRI’s and X-rays came back negative while refuting reports that the injury wasn’t related to football. Despite practicing Tuesday, Kelly hinted it wouldn’t be until Wednesday that Wimbush’s status would become clearer.

Kelly has been known for keeping his cards close to the vest, likely meaning we may not get a clear answer before game time. In the mean time, what we can do is speculate about an Ian Book led offense and what it might entail. As previously mentioned, North Carolina’s defense has struggled against the ground game. Luckily for Book, they have also been vulnerable to the pass.

North Carolina currently ranks 90th in average passing yards allowed. This number was lowered last week thanks to a Georgia Tech team that attempted only ten passes. We have already seen what Book can do with open downfield receivers, and there’s a chance he finds a way to absolutely shred this defense through the air come Saturday. That is if he plays, of course.