Notre Dame Football: Irish survive Ian Book’s absence, hand FSU sixth loss

3. The Chip Long hire is paying dividends

Given Wimbush’s run-first approach, the playbook was somewhat confined for offensive coordinator Chip Long. As a result, Long’s playcalling was heavily scrutinized as opponents began to successfully gameplan for Wimbush, particularly opponents like Miami and Stanford. Given the all-around ineffectiveness of the Irish offense in those losses, many were calling for Long’s job.

Playcalling for an offense with Wimbush under center presented numerous challenges, particularly due to the spread offense Long was used to calling in Memphis. In fact, the pro-style Riley Ferguson threw for 3,698 yards, 32 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions in Long’s Memphis offense.

Frustration in regard to Long’s offense grew even greater over the first few games of this season as a Wimbush-led offense struggled to generate momentum against opponents such as Vanderbilt and Ball State. Given the offense’s play early in the season, few expected the Irish to be playing for a playoff birth in November.

However, the emergence of Book has changed the landscape of Long’s offense. At this point in the season, Book has thrown for 1,824 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. Wimbush’s relative success in this game confirmed that it is likely a combination of Book’s play and Long’s improved play-calling that has generated so much success.