Notre Dame Football: Final 2020-2021 Report Card
By Dante Pryor
Overall offensive grade: B+
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees decided to make the Fighting Irish a power running team. Mission accomplished.
The Irish 211 rushing yards per game was good for 24th in the country. Notre Dame football averaged 33.4 points per game, which ranked 30th. Quarterback Ian Book was efficient, and Kyren Williams provided explosive plays in the run game.
The Irish dominated opponents when they had the physical advantage. Notre Dame football fell short offensively when Alabama and Clemson took away their strength; then, the Irish had no counterpunch.
Outstanding offensive players:
- Ian Book, QB: 64.6 completion percentage, 2830 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, three interceptions, 485 rushing yards, nine touchdowns
This was not Book’s best statistical season. However, there were games this season where the fifth-year senior showed that he was not a limiting factor in the Irish’s success but could be why Notre Dame won games. Book stayed the course and brought the Irish back in their win against Clemson.
- Kyren Williams, RB: 1,125 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, 35 receptions, 313 receiving yards, one touchdown
Sophomore Kyren Williams came from deep in the depth chart to lead the Irish in rushing and become their most explosive offensive player. Williams had six 100-yard games and five games with at least two touchdowns.
Quarterback: B
Book was the only quarterback that played significant snaps last season. Book was a solid, stabilizing force behind center. The question about the passing game this past season is simple, “Was the lack of vertical passing plays a lack of perimeter talent or Book’s lack of arm strength?” It would also be fair to question the offensive philosophy of Tommy Rees and Brian Kelly.
That’s not to say that Book does not have a ceiling; he does. This season, the senior quarterback bumped his head right at the top. Book has proven he has the talent to get the Irish to the playoff. Winning is a different matter.
Runningback: B+
Kyren Williams came from third on the depth chart to RB1 this season. Williams responded with Notre Dame’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2017. Williams was the most dynamic offensive player for the Irish. Williams carried the ball a lot despite his size. The diminutive dynamo carried the ball between the tackles as well as he did on the perimeter.
Wide Receiver/Tight End: C+
The receiver group was the limiting factor for the Irish this season. Notre Dame played bully ball at receiver. Javon McKinley and Ben Skowronek were wide receivers in tight end bodies and used their big frames to put their bodies between their opponents and the ball. The receiver group was not dynamic, making few explosive plays. Freshman Michael Mayer made quite the impact as a true freshman for the Irish.
Offensive Line: B+
The offensive line was solid once again. Though they were not elite, the offensive line played well. They opened holes for a top 30 rush offense and an 1,100 yard running back. They did struggle at times against elite pass rushes, finishing 64th in the country in sacks allowed. Notre Dame allowed a marginal Louisville pass rush sack Ian Book four times.