Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from rout of New Mexico in Week 3
By Zach Bigalke
1. Ian Book is among the best quarterbacks in the country
Yes, the stat line that Ian Book put up on Saturday in Week 3 was accomplished merely against one of the more abysmal Group of Five teams in the country. But against any opponent, what Book managed to accomplish in fewer than three full quarters of work was impressive and puts him squarely among the best quarterbacks in the FBS.
Book went 15-of-24 against New Mexico, throwing for 360 yards and five touchdowns. Book racked up 15 yards per attempt, gashing the Lobos secondary repeatedly. Three of his five touchdown passes went for more than 50 yards, and his shortest touchdown pass was still a 20-yard strike.
Book also tormented the New Mexico defense with his legs, racking up 46 yards on nine carries. His longest carry went for 24 yards, and Book punched in a sixth touchdown on the ground for good effect. He was expert at avoiding whatever pressure the Lobos were able to generate at the point of attack, taking just one sack on the opening possession of the game.
Heading into the bye week, Book will have supreme confidence as he has two weeks to prepare for the trip to Georgia. The Bulldogs will have plenty to think about as they hope to slow down one of the nation’s best passers.