Notre Dame Football: Brandon Wimbush’s strong performance leads Irish over Michigan

3. The Irish coaching staff is confident in Ian Book

While quarterback Ian Book had little to do with the outcome of this game, he did have one play that encompassed the trust he has earned from head coach Brian Kelly and his Notre Dame coaching staff.

Book first entered the game following a facemask penalty that left starting quarterback Brandon Wimbush with some discomfort in his eye. With Wimbush feeling his way to the sideline, Book was hurried into action, not missing a beat. The Irish would score their first touchdown of the season on this play, a running touchdown by way of positional convert Jafar Armstrong.

Wimbush would later return, this time donning a clear shield. However, the ease through which Book was inserted into this game is a great sign. While it’s not likely we see him outside of an injury or continuously poor play from Wimbush, it never hurts to have a quarterback with a confidence in both himself and his system.

Again, Book didn’t alter this contest by any stretch of the imagination. However, he is an excellent source of depth behind Wimbush should the Irish need it. As seen before, particularly in last season’s Citrus Bowl victory over LSU, Book has some potential. Nevertheless, we might not see much of him this season considering the unknown length of Wimbush’s leash.