Former Notre Dame QB Ian Book gives high praise to Miami Hurricanes fans

Former Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book just paid Miami fans a compliment they’ll love to frame. In a recent appearance on “The Echoes” podcast, the Irish’s all-time winningest starter said the 2017 game at Hard Rock Stadium might’ve been the loudest environment he's ever played in.

If you were there on Nov. 11, 2017, you don’t need the reminder. Miami swarmed the then–No. 3 Irish, 41–8, in a night that revived every Orange Bowl ghost and introduced the turnover chain to America in the national spotlight. Book entered for Brandon Wimbush and was part of the avalanche — Trajan Bandy’s pick-six off Book made it 27–0 at the half and detonated the building.

"It was hostile... Until we went down to Georgia it was the loudest place — honestly — it might be louder than Georgia. Like top 2 loudest places I've ever played in my career."

Ian Book

Book finished his Notre Dame career 30–5, the most wins by a quarterback in program history, after steering the Irish to the 2018 and 2020 College Football Playoff. When that kind of experience singles out Hard Rock as the loudest stop, it means something. Obviously Book considered Georgia, Michigan and Virginia Tech, but that night in Miami Gardens is nightmare fuel.

The challenge to handle the noise is now on first-time starter CJ Carr who was named the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish last week. It's a tall order to face a top-10 team in his first start, and it's even tougher on the road. If Miami's defense is improved from last year, then Carr will have a long night.

The Hurricanes face Notre Dame again in primetime on Aug. 31. The Canes — and their fans — will try to make the season opener look, and feel, like their dominant win in 2017.