Saints’ E book hails ‘unbelievable alternative’ to make debut | Well being and Health

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The timing seems to be coincidental for Book. His family is visiting for Christmas, including a brother who was at the Army boot camp in Fort Benning, Georgia. They all plan to attend the game, as does Book’s former Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, who left the Irish at the end of the college football regular season to take over LSU.

And Book’s first chance comes after months of seeing and studying how Payton’s offense is supposed to work. Whenever there was a moment in practice or in a game, Book remarked, “I have to take it mentally.”

Payton said he wasn’t worried about Book’s stance – not after all the big games he played for Notre Dame, where Book won a school record of 30 games in four seasons.

“He’s played in really big games and he’s done it consistently – when you measure wins and losses – better than any quarterback in Notre Dame history,” said Payton. “Of course there is a transition to this level, but I think he is ready for the challenge.”

Saints players have also offered enthusiastic support, Book said. Injured Saint QB Jameis Winston, who started seven games before a cruciate ligament rupture ended his season, wrote a “nice note” to Book. Hill and Siemian offered advice over the phone.

“I’ve got this whole team behind me,” said Book. “I feel like all of these guys are behind me and it’s pretty cool to hear everyone how excited they are that I’m getting a chance.”