Ian Book has a tall order in trying to be the better quarterback when Notre Dame plays Alabama in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. What he has going for him is his versatility and penchant for avoiding turnovers. If the Irish are forced to abandon their passing game and go to the ground, he can provide some help there. The question is would that be enough to keep the Irish in the game and drive them to victory?
The Crimson Tide have Heisman Trophy finalist Mac Jones, likely the best quarterback the Irish will see face this season, including Heisman finalist Trevor Lawrence. Jones has the best passing efficiency in the country by a wide margin and ranks in the top three nationally for completions, touchdown passes and yardage. His numbers on the ground are nothing to write home about, but his talent and production as a passer he doesn’t need that part of his game. To say the least, the Irish will have to force him to play a game he’s not comfortable with, including taking the ball himself when his number wasn’t called, if they’re going to have any chance of limiting his effectiveness.