Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame Football And Recruiting

Quarterback play has become increasingly important in college football, and the Irish play some talented QB's this season. All of that makes it even more important that Ian Book take his game to an even higher level this season.

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the QB position from a big picture standpoint, talk about expectations for Book in 2019, areas where his game must grow and the impact he could have on the team this fall.

Notre Dame's talented 2020 recruiting class just got better by landing Chester (Va.) Thomas Dale star Chris Tyree. Blue & Gold Illustrated football analyst Bryan Driskell breaks down Tyree's game and what his commitment means for the Irish.

After playing the Georgia Bulldogs on the road, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish come home to take on the Virginia Cavaliers. Led by head coach Bronco Mendenhall, the Cavaliers are coming off an 8-5 season and are projected to win the ACC Coastal Division. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down Virginia and discuss what this game means for the Irish.

Blue & Gold Illustrated recruiting insiders EJ Holland and Mike Singer run down the latest news in Notre Dame recruiting, discuss Fighting Irish targets they've seen on the road, and more.

Notre Dame faces a huge test on Sept. 21 when it travels to Athens, Ga. to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Kirby Smart's team is expected to be a title contender in 2019, so it is a monumental task for Notre Dame to come out on top, but also a tremendous opportunity.

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down what the game means for the Irish and what's at stake before diving into the Bulldog roster.

Blue & Gold Illustrated recruiting insiders EJ Holland and Mike Singer break down Notre Dame's recent football commits, talk about their time on the road, where the coaches have been visiting, and why they joined BGI.

Notre Dame has plenty of veterans in important positions in 2019, but if the Irish are going to once again compete for a playoff berth a number of young players will also have to emerge as factors on both sides of the ball.

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell begin the show by discussing three "redshirt sophomores" that are key figures in Notre Dame's 2019 success. That is followed by a discussion of the first or second year players on offense and defense that also must become key players for the Irish this season.

Notre Dame had a monster week on the recruiting trail, landing commitments from four-star defensive end Rylie Millsand four-star offensive tackle Tosh Baker. Blue & Gold Illustrated football analyst Bryan Driskell breaks down the game of both players, what it means for the Notre Dame class and what's next on the recruiting trail at both positions.

Notre Dame hosts New Mexico on September 14, but it's not your typical Notre Dame vs. Mountain West game. The Lobos are coached by former Irish head coach Bob Davie, who returns to Notre Dame Stadium for the first time.

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell discuss Davie's tenure in South Bend before talking about the 2019 Lobos and what the matchup will look like for Notre Dame.

It has to happen for Notre Dame, or any team with playoff aspirations. Top players are gone to the NFL, and other veterans must take their game to higher levels for the offense - or defense - to once again play championship caliber football.

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell give their choice for the three players on each side of the ball whose emergence or improvement will have the biggest impact on the team's success in 2019.

Sometimes they agree, and sometimes they don't.