The starting quarterbacks for Saturday’s Notre Dame-Duke matchup couldn’t be more different. For the Irish, you have a seasoned leader in Ian Book who’s ready to add one more chapter to his legacy in South Bend. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils will start Clemson transfer Chase Brice. After backing up Trevor Lawrence for two seasons, Brice will have the chance to write his own story in Durham:
It’s almost unfair to compare last year’s numbers for these two quarterbacks since one was their offense’s primary leader and the other wasn’t. However, that alone tells you the Irish will have the advantage in this area Saturday. Book should be calm and collected in familiar surroundings, and Brice is making his Duke debut on the road against a team many feel could make the College Football Playoff. Plus, even though Notre Dame Stadium only will be 20 percent full, simply kicking off a new beginning in one’s career inside such a historic venue has to be intimidating for anyone.