When it comes to Notre Dame-Clemson, quarterback will be a position more about who’s not there than who is. Consequently, Ian Book has the advantage by default, but will he make the difference between victory and defeat for the Irish? More than a quarter of the plays involving him have had him keep the ball for himself, and he’s not exactly blowing anyone away as a quarterback who runs frequently. The Irish will need everyone at the top of their game, and that includes Book, who has been unspectacular more often than not this season.
With no Trevor Lawrence, the Tigers will turn to five-star freshman D.J. Uiagalelei to start under center. The early returns on him have been promising, completing 70 percent of his passes, and averaging 4.1 yards a carry when his own number has been called. Though it’s too soon to know exactly who he is at this level, we’ll probably get a good idea as he finds himself thrust into college football’s biggest game of the season. If he demonstrates why he was highly recruited, he not only will set the Tigers up well in this game, but also for the next couple of years.