It was record day for Ian Book. Book was able to execute and lead his offense down the field for a Notre Dame record five first half touchdowns and a 35-0 lead.
But before it all began we knew that if Notre Dame wanted to stay relevant they would have to have a break out day on offense. Coach Brian Kelly gave a pre-game speech focused on pride.
“Pride – Pride in our university, pride in teammates pride in work we do individually, that is what we have left to do. Play the game the way it is supposed to be played fast, physical and to our standard.” – BRIAN KELLY
So let’s recap each of his record setting touchdown passes.
Touchdown #1: Book to Tommy Tremble – 17 Yards
Book found the freshmen Tremble to open the scoring. Tremble finished with a 4/38/1 and was a great check-down option for Book.
Book to Tremble
Notre Dame 7
Bowling Green 0#BGvsND #NDvsBGSU #BGSUvsND#NDvsBG— Kyle B (@NotreDameKyle) October 5, 2019
Touchdown #2: Book to Cole Kmet – 21 Yards
Next, Book found Kmet streaking up the seam for an easy touchdown. Book did a fantastic job locating his tight ends the entire half.
Make that two touchdowns for @Ian_Book12
This time up the seam to @ColeKmet
Irish up 14-0
6:51 Remaining in the 1st Quarter#BGvsND #NDvsBGSU #BGSUvsND#NDvsBG
— Kyle B (@NotreDameKyle) October 5, 2019
The tight ends, including junior Brock Wright got involved early and often for Book. They were a major factor in the blow out win.
But back to Book’s record day.
Touchdown #3 Book to Chase Claypool – 34 Yards
Touchdown #4 Book to Claypool – 8 Yards
Both touchdown number three and four both involved his favorite target Claypool. The first of the two was something Notre Dame had not done well this year, a downfield pass.
The second was perhaps my favorite play of the day – Book was just about to bail the pocket as he has done too much early in the year, but he stepped up and found Claypool on a crossing route for the score.
Three first quarter passing touchdowns for @Ian_Book12
This one on a nice post-route to @ChaseClaypool for 34 yds
Notre Dame 21
Bowling Green 0#BGvsND #NDvsBGSU #BGSUvsND#NDvsBG— Kyle B (@NotreDameKyle) October 5, 2019
Touchdown #5 Book to Javon McKinley – 25 Yards
And of course, Book showed again he is able to remain in the pocket. He found Javon McKinley on a 3rd and 16 for a 25 yard score.
3rd and 16 Book stays in the CLEAN pocket and finds Javon McKinley for 6!#GoIrish ☘️#BGvsND #NDvsBGSU #BGSUvsND#NDvsBG
— Kyle B (@NotreDameKyle) October 5, 2019
BOOK IT!
Book’s record day finished 16-20 with 261 yards and five touchdowns before Brian Kelly put in back-up Phil Jurkovec. I think it’s safe to say Book silenced the critics.
The Irish also posted the first shut out since 2014. That was against Michigan. Irish win 52-0 over Bowling Green University. The Fighting Irish draw rival University of Southern California at home next week. If this offense can carry over into the rest of the year, watch out.
