Midseason grades are closing in on perfect

Notre Dame won its first three games largely on the strength of its experienced defense.

Coach Brian Kelly realized the offense needed a spark.

A quarterback switch, with Ian Book replacing Brandon Wimbush, has elevated the offense and made the fourth-ranked Irish (7-0) a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.

“(I’m) just really proud of our football team in terms of where we are, and we know that we can continue to get better,” Kelly said as the Irish entered the open date on their schedule. “If you asked me (at the start of the season) 7-0 at the bye week, I’d be extremely pleased and happy. And I’m certainly that as I sit here right now.”

Here is Notre Dame’s report card through the first seven games.

Offense

Notre Dame ranked 99th nationally in total offense and was tied for 103rd in scoring through its first three games.

Enter Book.

The Irish are now 49th in total offense (427.7 yards per game) and 47th in scoring (32.6 points per game). Book has completed 75.2 percent of his passes for 1,151 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions.

He’s spreading the ball around. Miles Boykin leads the team in receptions (32), receiving yards (512) and touchdown catches (four). Chris Finke (305 yards, one touchdown) and Chase Claypool (261 yards, three touchdowns) also have been heavily involved.

“It’s tough to stop all three of us at the same time,” Boykin said.

Alize Mack (240 yards, one touchdown) has been the top tight end target.

Dexter Williams (370 yards, four touchdowns), Tony Jones Jr. (314 yards, three touchdowns) and converted wide receiver Jafar Armstrong (245 yards, five touchdowns) have solidified the running game, although all three have not been available for the same game. Williams missed the first four games for reported disciplinary reasons, and Armstrong has been out the last three because of a left knee infection.

The offensive line has carried on despite losing preseason AllAmerica guard Alex Bars to an MCL/ACL injury.

Grade: B+

Defense

With eight starters returning, the defense figured to be Notre Dame’s strength. And it has been. The Irish are 34th nationally in total defense (340.9 yards per game) and 22nd in scoring defense (18.7 points per game).

Tackle Jerry Tillery has been a disruptive force with seven sacks. Ends Khalid Kareem and Julian Okwara have eight and six tackles for a loss. Linebackers Te’von Coney and Drue Tranquill lead the team with 56 and 46 tackles

Cornerback Julian Love has shown why he was a preseason All-American. The Nazareth graduate has broken up 12 passes. Navy transfer Alohi Gilman has been a key to improved safety play. Safety Jalen Elliott and cornerback Troy Pride Jr. are tied for the team lead with two interceptions.

“We believe we have a championship defense,” Tranquill said, “but if you don’t take the steps each and every day to get better and learn and take that next step forward, you can’t become that championship defense.”

Grade: A-

Special teams

Kicker Justin Yoon has been reliable, making 9 of 12 field-goal attempts. Tyler Newsome is eighth nationally in punting, averaging 46.3 yards. Notre Dame’s kickoff coverage must improve. The Irish have allowed two returns for touchdowns.

Grade: C

Coaching

Kelly took an unconventional step in making a quarterback change even though the team hadn’t lost. It has worked out. First-year defensive coordinator Clark Lea has continued the momentum built by Mike Elko. Grade: A-