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Notre Dame Football: Ian Book, Irish hold off Northwestern’s late-charge

By Dana Becker

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 13: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks to pass the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium on October 13, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 13: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks to pass the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium on October 13, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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2. Chase Claypool emerges once more

For the first time this season, Chase Claypool surpassed the 100-yard mark, as the junior wide receiver from Canada finished with a season-high eight catches for 130 yards. The Irish have relied on a variety of pass catchers to stay perfect this season. On Saturday it was Claypool’s turn to step up and he answered the call in a meaningful way.

While he failed to find the end zone, Claypool helped keep the Northwestern defense honest with his big-play ability, averaging over 16 yards per reception. That included a long of 31 on the night.

Claypool has played second fiddle much of the year to Miles Boykin, but at 6-foot-4, he provides an excellent tall target for Ian Book. Last year, he had 402 yards receiving and a pair of scores, numbers he has surpassed this season as the Irish offense continues to hum along to the tune of an unbeaten record.

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