Notre Dame Football: 3 hot takes from blowout win over Pitt

Oct 24, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Teammates congratulate Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) on his touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Irish won 45-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Ian Book, Notre Dame football Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Ian Book can be elite if he’s let loose

Everyone had been waiting for a performance from Ian Book like he had against Pitt. Through seven weeks and four games, he looked about as pedestrian as any quarterback in the country and a shell of his former self.

You would think after a couple of years of starting experience, a quarterback would only get better in year three as QB1 for a national title contender, right? That hasn’t been the case.

At least until Saturday.

Against Pitt, Book was finally let loose by Brian Kelly and Tommy Rees, passing for over 300 yards for the first time on the year with three touchdowns. Coming into the game, Book only had one game with 30 attempts and had a total of three touchdowns and an interception. On Saturday, he had 30 attempts and three touchdowns.

It’s pretty clear that Book just needs to be given a chance to throw and if his line protects him and he gets enough time, he can be an elite quarterback.

Time to let Book air it out.

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