A sizable portion of the Notre Dame fanbase would cheer loudly if Steve Angeli started for the Fighting Irish on Saturday, given the struggles of the Notre Dame passing game this season. The only people whose opinions matter on who starts for the Irish – the coaching staff – however, are not wavering in their convictions on starting Riley Leonard. The Irish coaching staff trusts the signs of progress evident in back-to-back wins over the last two weeks. Their patience could be close to paying off… or blowing up in their faces.
Most Notre Dame fans would have loved to see the Irish offense throw it for over 300 yards at least once in the last three weeks.