Notre Dame game ball awards for win over Syracuse

Notre Dame had several stellar performances Saturday but these stars shined the brightest in beating Syracuse and moving to 10-0.

Nick Shepkowski’s Game Ball Awards for Notre Dame-Syracuse:

Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive:  Ian Book

This one was close as I debated giving it to Javon McKinley but the story of the day was Book who may have started a bit slow but showed why he’s Notre Dame’s MVP yet again on Saturday, kick-starting the offense late in the second quarter as he ran for and threw for two touchdowns in the final 4:30 of the first half.  It was an epic exit for Book, who became Notre Dame’s winningest quarterback in program history.

Defensive:  Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

What a year it’s been for JOK as he was at it again on what pretty much everyone expects to be his final game at Notre Dame Stadium.  A forced fumble, a fumble recovery and plenty of plays made in coverage as well showcased why it’s looking more and more like JOK will be taken in the first 20 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.