Book Hoping Saturday Was A Turning Point

Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book has had his ups and downs this season, but the California native played one of his best games. 

Book finished with 181 yards through the air and 139 yards on the ground to go along with four touchdowns. 

The rushing yards might have been a surprise, but Book new he was going to get some favorable looks to run the ball.

"They played a lot of man, so the quarterback run is good," Book stated. "It wasn't like a huge statement to rush the quarterback a ton. It worked great and we were able to move the ball. All those guys did a great job blocking for me." 

Book did toss two interceptions, but he showed the ability to hang in the pocket and fire some big-time throws down the field. 

Chris Finke came up big with four catches for 49 yards and two scores. 

"I was able to get through all my progressions," explained Book. "Finke is a smart receiver so he was able to find those holes in the defense. 

"This week he was doing a great job of getting separation and it worked out perfectly." 

In terms of consistency in the pocket and trusting his blocking, Book felt it was one of his better games.

"I think it's a good stepping stone," said Book. "I felt very comfortable and the offensive line did a great job tonight. The receivers did a great job of getting separation at the right times. I feel like it was one of my best games.

"I've been working on it and I wanted to come out to make a statement and get a big road win. It's on me every week. It's my job to get the ball to the playmakers and I really focused on that all week." 

The 38-7 win was nice as the game was never in doubt, but was it a better feeling than the thrilling win over Virginia Tech? 

"That's a tough question," laughed Book. "A win is a win. It's hard to win. Coach (Brian) Kelly just said that when we were meeting. It's hard to win in college football. 

"At the end of the day, we want to get a W. Last week, we saw some adversity early and we were able to stay in there to get the win.

"Tonight, going up a little bit and not letting up the gas was important for us too." 

As for the rushing yards, Book was more than pleased with a couple of big runs over 40 yards, but there is room to improve.

"I need to get faster," said Book. "I need to get in the end zone. I was kind of upset about that. Fast defensive backs caught me. I was happy to get the first down and make some chunk bigs.

"I want to get in the end zone. I thought I was, but I got hawked...twice."