The Notre Dame Fighting Irish took a big step forward this season when Head Coach Brian Kelly made the tough decision to replace Brandon Wimbush as the starting quarterback with junior Ian Book. Notre Dame was 3-0 at that point, but despite a huge season opening win over the Michigan Wolverines, the Irish offense struggled in uninspired wins over the Ball State Cardinals and Vanderbilt Commodores.
Book’s elevation saw the Irish offense explode with efficiency, and it gave new new life to the playbook and playcalling of Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, Chip Long.