Notre Dame Football: 5 bold predictions for November 2018

1. Ian Book records 15 total touchdowns

If it’s not going to be the defense, if it’s not going to be Dexter Williams, if it’s not going to be Miles Boykin, it’s going to have to be Ian Book. Book has tossed 13 touchdowns to only four interceptions since taking over the starting job, merging explosive qualities with good decision making.

The last time we’ve seen a quarterback like this in a Notre Dame uniform was when DeShone Kizer was under center. Kizer threw for 2,925 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions on his way to a 4-8 season, a testament to Notre Dame’s dysfunction in 2016. However, the stars seem to be aligning for Book behind a strong Irish defense.

Not one opponent remaining on Notre Dame’s schedule ranks within the top 50 in passing yards per game, and only Northwestern allows less than one and a half passing touchdowns per game. The Irish boast one of the nation’s most balanced offensive attacks, stretching out opposing defenses in multiple facets of the game.

The Irish have plenty of playmakers, but the best way to secure a win is to make sure that the ball is in the hands of your best player at the most critical of moments. Despite the inexperience, despite past mistakes, that player is Ian Book. Look for him to find the endzone plenty of times, whether through the air or on the ground.