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Against Clemson that is. I had this thought going into the game, even contemplated writing a piece about it, but I wimped out.

Basically the same elements that were present against Michigan were present against Clemson. Athletic defensive line that can limit the run game and get pressure on the quarterback consistently, the need for big plays on offense because of the difficulty sustaining drives.

WImbush is a high variance player, and it could have been Miami just as easily as Michigan, but he was the only person to see a defense similar to Clemson's this year and he won. He makes more sense when ND is a big underdog because of that variance, hence why he was a good choice against Michigan. Book was better with Notre Dame is the favorite because he gave them the best chance to play well week to week. Brandon couldn't sustain quality play week to week, again because of his variance, and would have cost them a game eventually. Hence going to Book who was more consistent, but not quite the same upside as Wimbush.

Maybe Brandon gets loose for some big runs, opens up a little more for Dexter, as he did against Florida State, and makes plays outside the pocket that aren't really there for Book. That was how Texas A&M kept is close against Clemson in week 2.

Obviously, the ship has sailed on this as the game has been played, but it does reinforce my article from the other day about the need for a QB competition because Jurkovec provides the same elements as Wimbush and if he can be more consistent is probably the better option if he can reach Books level of play.