Notre Dame Football: 5 keys to a successful 2019 season for Irish

6 of 6

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on in the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1. Ian Book has to develop at quarterback

The biggest key for Notre Dame falls on their most important player at the most important position. If the Irish want to have a successful season, they need Ian Book to grow and be the leader this team needs. He will have an entire summer and season to be the guy, and that comes with more expectations than what he had last season.

Last season, Book had 19 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions. That’s good for a guy that helps facilitate the offense, but he must have more production this season as a senior. When games against Georgia and Michigan come along, they are going to make him beat them with perfect passes down the field. In order for Notre Dame to succeed, he has to be able to make those plays.

When it comes to whether or not Book can take these steps in his game, it will come down to his work ethic over the summer. Now that he has a summer to be the senior leader of the team, his confidence will be higher than ever. The fact that Brandon Wimbush won’t be on the sideline waiting for himself to get another opportunity will help.

Next. NFL Mock Draft 2020: Way-too-early edition. dark

I’m not saying that Wimbush will be a Heisman candidate or even that he has to be. He just has to be the reason the offense works. There isn’t enough talent around him to rely on like last year. He is the most proven thing offensively, and another season like last year simply won’t be enough against elite defenses.

Home/Notre Dame Fighting Irish