Notre Dame’s Steve Angeli Shines in First Career Start as Irish Dominate Oregon State
In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Notre Dame’s Steve Angeli proved himself as a force to be reckoned with in his first career start as quarterback for the Fighting Irish. Directed by Angeli’s confident leadership, the Irish sailed to a 40-8 victory over Oregon State in the Sun Bowl.
Right from the start, Angeli showcased his talent by leading the team to a touchdown on their first possession. In a breathtaking 96-yard drive, the sophomore quarterback set the tone for the game and proved his mettle. His performance was nothing short of exceptional, completing 15-of-19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns. He also contributed 47 yards rushing, making him a dual-threat on the field.
But Angeli’s success was not achieved alone. Running backs Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love stepped up to fill the void left by the injured Audric Estimé and offered a glimpse into the promising future of the Irish backfield. Price rushed for an impressive 106 yards on just 13 carries, while Love showcased his versatility with key contributions throughout the game.
Though the offense delivered a stellar performance, credit for the victory largely goes to Notre Dame’s defense. One of the best in the country, the defense retained eight veteran starters for the bowl game, ensuring consistency and promising success in the upcoming 2024 season. Oregon State struggled to make any offensive progress against Notre Dame’s suffocating defense, managing only one snap beyond midfield until the fourth quarter. The Irish defense logged four sacks, three tackles for loss, and constantly hassled Oregon State’s quarterback on numerous dropbacks.
Safety Xavier Watts emerged as a defensive standout, leading the team with five tackles. Watts potentially played in his final game for the Irish, leaving a lasting impression on both teammates and fans. Additionally, senior defensive end Jordan Botelho, despite appearing to injure his shoulder, was named the Most Valuable Lineman of the Sun Bowl, showcasing his remarkable contributions to the Irish’s defensive success.
Freshman receiver Jordan Faison also left his mark on the game, capping off his breakout season with a third-quarter touchdown and earning the well-deserved title of Sun Bowl MVP. Faison led all receivers with an astounding 115 yards on just five catches, further solidifying his promising future with the Irish.
The scoring summary truly captures Notre Dame’s dominance throughout the game, with multiple touchdowns and a safety contributing to their impressive 40-8 victory. It was a game that demonstrated the depth and talent of the Fighting Irish, leaving no doubt about their potential for success in the upcoming season. As Angeli and his teammates celebrate their triumphant performance, Notre Dame football fans eagerly anticipate the future of their beloved team.
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