Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions against upset-minded Navy

1. Brandon Wimbush sees red zone action

We’ve seen very little of former starting quarterback Brandon Wimbush since he was benched in favor of junior Ian Book. However, that hasn’t seemed to put a halt to the speculation that Kelly will find use for Wimbush elsewhere. In a game with the potential to be so grueling, a run-first quarterback who protects the ball can be a valuable asset.

Unfortunately for Wimbush, protecting the football did not come as easy in 2018 as it did in 2017. After recording 16 passing touchdowns to six interceptions in 2017, Wimbush passed for only one touchdown to four interceptions to begin his 2018 campaign. Given his slow start and what was at stake for the Irish after a big win over Michigan, opting for Book was a no-brainer.

Kelly has said time and time again that he views Wimbush as the team’s best runner. We’ve seen Avery Davis make the change from quarterback to running back, but Wimbush is days behind him in terms of preparation. A switch to wide receiver would be even more tasking, so it will be up to offensive coordinator Chip Long to find creative ways to integrate Wimbush into this offense if Kelly so chooses.

Whether it be in the form of wildcat plays or obvious rushing situations down in the red zone, this might just be the game that Kelly decides to give Wimbush his first meaningful action since his benching. While any Wimbush sighting would likely be a result of gameflow, there is a chance we see him Saturday should Kelly feel the need to change things up.