Notre Dame Football: 5 bold predictions for October 2019

5. Ian Book throws for 1,000 yards

There’s really no way around it. Senior Ian Book simply hasn’t been the quarterback we saw last season. After throwing for 2,628 yards in relief of former quarterback Brandon Wimbush last year, Book has completed 75-of-119 passes for 993 yards four games into the 2019 season.

Statistically speaking, Book’s numbers this season don’t differ all too much from those we saw in 2018, aside from a completion percentage that is down over five points. Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable difference in Book’s game this season, and a lot of that appears to have something to do with the second-year starter’s confidence in the pocket.

Perhaps Book’s greatest asset in 2018 was his ability to maneuver the pocket and make things happen with his feet if the situation warranted it. However, Book has looked antsy and uncomfortable in the pocket so far, which could be a result of him dialing things back from last season. His eight to two touchdown to interception ratio is fine, but fans have been asking for the old Book for quite some time now.

Do we see that version in the month of October? Book has already gone two games without reaching 200 passing yards, a mark he failed to hit only once last season. With high-stake matchups against USC and Michigan coming up, look for Kelly to have his quarterback settled and ready to go as the Irish continue to fight for their playoff lives.