Irish’s Wimbush to start for Book

No. 3 Notre Dame is turning back to Brandon Wimbush to keep the Fighting Irish unbeaten.

Wimbush will start at quarterback against Florida State Saturday, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press, because Ian Book is nursing an upper body injury.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly told reporters at his regularly scheduled postpractice Thursday news conference that Book had been limited at practice with an upper body injury and who starts would be game-time decision. He called Book dayto-day.

But a person speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity said Wimbush is set to be the starter and Book is not expected to play after taking a hard hit to the back and ribs last week against Northwestern.

“Brandon has gotten the bulk of work,” Kelly said. “We’ll see what happens Saturday.”

Book replaced Wimbush as the starter in the fourth game of the season for the Fighting Irish (9-0, No. 3 CFP). He is completing 74.5 percent of his passes, tops in the FBS, for 1,824 yards, with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Wimbush, a senior, was the starter last season for the Irish, but his inconsistent and inaccurate passing led to Brian Kelly making the switch to Book. Wimbush has completed 50.8 percent for his career, with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has been an effective runner, with 1,044 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Former MSU star Kowalczyk dies

EAST LANSING, MICH. >> Walt Kowalczyk, a star halfback at Michigan State who finished third in the 1957 Heisman Trophy race, has died. He was 83.

Nicknamed “The Sprinting Blacksmith,” Kowalczyk helped the Spartans to topthree finishes in the AP poll for the 1955 and 1957 seasons. He was named MVP of the 1956 Rose Bowl.

Kowalczyk led the Spartans in rushing during the 1957 season and scored nine rushing touchdowns. John David Crow of Texas A&M topped the Heisman vote that season, followed by Alex Karras and Kowalczyk.

Kowalczyk was drafted in the first round by the Eagles in 1958. He spent three seasons in the NFL, two with the Eagles and one with Dallas, and finished his career in the AFL with Oakland in 1961.