College football is nearing its conclusion, but before the madness of the playoff selection begins, what did we learn from Week 11?
Week 11 of the college football season presented some strange scenarios. There weren’t necessary a slew of marquee matchups, but there were also some surprises.
It was still just as chaotic as you might have expected it to be at this stage of the season when every game –– and win for that matter –– counts.
At this juncture, there is much more clarity about who the contenders and the pretenders are. While some teams have surged to a meteoric rise as the season has progressed, others have plummeted to being completely out of the discussion.
Even with two more weeks left of the regular season, there is a lot at stake and playoff hopes hang in the balance.
Here is a look at five takeaways from Week 11 action that transpired on Saturday.
5. Notre Dame can win –– even without Ian Book
After a key victory against Michigan to start the season and two awfully close games against teams it should have easily defeated, Notre Dame opted to turn to backup quarterback Ian Book to hold the reins of the offense when a beleaguered Brandon Wimbush struggled.
Book’s dominant play has allowed Notre Dame to make an about-face and develop a more potent offense. However, on Saturday, the Irish were without Book due to a rib injury he sustained the week prior against Northwestern.
Heading into the game against Florida State, it was unclear whether Book would play or sit out, but he was in fact held out of the game –– allowing Wimbush to reassume his spot as the starting quarterback.
In lieu of Book, Wimbush turned in a fairly solid performance, minus perhaps the two interceptions he threw. In spite of that, the senior went for 130 yards and three touchdown passes.
Wimbush set the tone nicely for his outing during the first quarter, when he completed a pair of touchdown throws to two of Notre Dame’s most dependable receivers –– wideout Miles Boykin and tight end Alize Mack.
The Notre Dame offense seemed to be firing on all cylinders. Dexter Williams, who has certainly made a name for himself this year as a somewhat underrated runner, was incredible. He rushed for 202 yards and two scores to provide firepower to the ground game.
The win proved one thing –– that the Irish have the personnel and the ability to win even though their starting quarterback was injured.
Granted, Florida State isn’t the greatest of teams and is a weaker squad than Notre Dame. The Seminoles stand with just a 4-6 record on the heels of a three-game losing skid after Saturday.
However, the victory showed that Notre Dame can withstand adversity –– something (like a next-man-up mentality) that is certainly needed in a team destined to make a College Football Playoff appearance.
The Irish have situated nestled themselves in a comfortable spot for a playoff berth. Essentially, Notre Dame has to win out and they are in. Under those circumstances, it’s safe to say the Irish control their own destiny.