Notre Dame Football: 5 things to watch during 2019 Blue-Gold game

4. Phil Jurkovec at the helm

One of the most interesting components of the Irish’s new Blue-Gold game format is the variety of player combinations deployed throughout the game. With players constantly being rotated in and out of the game, fans are able to get a good look at individual chemistry at the expense of smoothness.

While last year’s Blue-Gold game was centered around quarterback controversy, Notre Dame’s 2019 spring game will be one that focuses more on quarterback development. The Brandon Wimbush vs. Ian Book saga was intriguing at times last season, but Irish fans will likely be more than happy to enjoy a game free of constant scrutiny.

Instead, Kelly and company will be able to analyze Book’s development as a top passer while doing the same for 2018 recruit Phil Jurkovec within the confines of a backup role. All things considered, Notre Dame fans can rest easy without the concern that a spring game will influence Kelly’s Week 1 starter.

Jurkovec, the Irish’s highest rated quarterback recruit since Wimbush, saw comparatively little action in his first Blue-Gold game and no meaningful time over the course of the 2018 season. However, the coaching staff has likely poured significantly more time into the sophomore this spring, so don’t be surprised if we see some good stuff out of him Saturday afternoon.