Notre Dame's Kelly says Brandon Wimbush can emulate former backup Ian Book

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – If Brandon Wimbush needs an example to follow as a backup quarterback, he has one: Ian Book.

That’s the way Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly sees it anyway. Kelly has a reputation for often changing quarterbacks, but it would be hard to quarrel with what he did Saturday.

The coach switched to Book, who accounted for five touchdowns in a 56-27 victory at Wake Forest.

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That outcome set up one of the most anticipated matchups in recent Notre Dame Stadium history. Next Saturday night’s game — No. 7 Stanford (4-0) at No. 8 Notre Dame (4-0) — will be the first between top-eight teams in South Bend since No. 4 Ohio State and No. 5 Notre Dame in 1996.

The highest-ranked opponent Kelly has opposed at Notre Dame Stadium was No. 11 Southern California, which lost to the Irish 49-14 last year.

Kelly said Book stayed engaged even as Wimbush was the starter.

“He knew that he was going to contribute, and Brandon knows he's going to contribute,” Kelly said. “So I think he's got the right makeup that he'll be engaged and prepared each and every week. So I'm not really concerned about that.

“And again, we will see how each week goes. I think it's a very fluid situation from week to week and we'll make sure that he's prepared to play, just as we did the same thing with Ian and made sure we prepared him week to week.”

Wimbush has repeatedly stated Book is a close friend. Kelly has repeatedly stated he would use both quarterbacks.

Center Sam Mustipher said the Irish needed a game like this to boost collective confidence. He sounded unconcerned about Wimbush’s reaction to being benched.

“He really didn’t need me to say much to him. He’s a competitive guy,” Mustipher said. “So obviously, that hurt a little bit. He just prepared the exact way as if he was going to be the starter.

“I think that’s a testament to who he is as a person.”

With Book at quarterback, the Irish scored eight touchdowns, equaling the total from the first three games combined. The outcome was costly for Wake Forest defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel, who was fired Sunday by coach Dave Clawson.

The 56 points were most by the Irish in a true road game since a 57-7 win at Stanford in 2003. They were 7-for-7 on scoring TDs inside the 20, something they had not done since 2011 against Navy.

Book has a passer rating of 179.2, which would be 14th in the nation if he had enough attempts to qualify for ranking.

Cardinal comeback

Kelly is not into the Pac-12 After Dark.

So he missed Saturday night’s game at Eugene, Oregon, in which the host Ducks had a 99 percent win probability (according to ESPN) when they led 24-7 and had the ball at the Stanford 1-yard line. The Cardinal came back to beat Oregon 38-31 in overtime.

“I generally, when I get home, I try to spend some time away from football,” Kelly said. “I do it all week. But I did hear about the game. I guess Stanford had a great comeback.”

Etc.

Kelly indicated RB Dexter Williams would be available for Stanford. Williams ended a four-game suspension, although Kelly has never confirmed that’s why Williams has not played. ... Freshman DT Ja’Mion Franklin (quad) will be examined to determine extent of his injury. TE Cole Kmet (ankle) is to return to practice this week. … CB Julian Love is third in the nation in passes defended (nine) and LB Drue Tranquill is fourth in solo tackles (27).  ... Notre Dame’s  defense is 18th in fewest yards allowed per play (4.49) and tied for fourth in fewest 30-yard gains allowed (two).

Contact IndyStar reporter David Woods at david.woods@indystar.com or call 317-444-6195.