The University of Notre Dame Football Team capped off the 2024 spring practice schedule as rising junior quarterback Steve Angeli led the Blue Team to a 28-21 victory in the 93rd annual Blue-Gold Game presented by Meijer on Saturday, April 20th.
After being stopped on their first drive, Blue got the ball back and Angeli was able to find his rhythm leading them down the field. Rising senior wide receiver Deion Colzie played a major role during this drive as he caught two passes for 26 yards combined. Blue was able to strike first as the drive culminated in a 21-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Eli Raridon.
Blue’s defense took the field and they showed why Notre Dame was the third-ranked pass defense in all of college football last year. Rising junior safety Luke Talich intercepted freshman quarterback Kenny Minchey’s pass and returned it for 18 yards, giving team blue’s offense good field position for the upcoming drive.
As the second quarter began, freshman quarterback CJ Carr took the reins of Blue’s offense. He was able to find success completing passes to a variety of targets, ultimately leading them into position for freshman running back Aneyeas Williams to punch it in for a seven-yard touchdown, extending Blue’s lead to 14 points after the made extra point attempt from senior Mitch Jeter.
Despite throwing an interception on his previous drive, Minchey remained confident and was able to showcase his athleticism as he frequently used his legs to gain yardage for the Gold Team. Minchey then found his way into the endzone with a five-yard rush, putting Gold on the board for the first time.
The momentum for Blue carried over through halftime, as they forced a turnover on the first drive of the second half. Freshman defensive lineman Bryce Young was able to force a fumble that was recovered by defensive back Talich.
Gold’s defense responded well though, causing a three-and-out possession and getting the ball back to their offense quickly.
Gold was able to create even more momentum as Minchey launched a 38 yard beauty to freshman wideout KK Smith. Two plays later, Minchey was able to find the end zone as he targeted freshman wide receiver Micah Gilbert for a 26-yard touchdown. The score was all knotted up at 14 a piece.
On the next possession, rising junior running back Jeremiyah Love showed off his blazing speed as he turned a short checkdown pass from Angeli into a 32-yard pickup.
Angeli was then able to connect with freshman tight end Jack Larsen for a 19-yard gain that brought team Blue just six yards shy of the end zone. The next play, Love was able to walk into the end zone untouched and regain the lead 21-14 for Blue to end the third quarter.
To start the fourth, freshman quarterback CJ Carr was now taking snaps. He was able to lead Team Gold down the field as he connected on passes to multiple targets. The drive ended with a beautiful shot in the hole between the cornerback and safety from Carr to Micah Gilbert for a 29-yard touchdown, tying the game up once again with five minutes remaining.
Angeli and Team Blue’s offensive unit would not waste any time responding however. On the second play of the drive, Kris Mitchell was able to leave his matchup in the dust on a double move. The senior receiver ended up wide open for a 62 yard bomb from Angeli, resulting in a touchdown for team blue.
CJ Carr once again took the field, attempting to tie things up for Team Gold. Team Blue’s defense held strong however, creating a third and long situation. Carr was able to connect with sophomore tight end Henry Garrity for 11 yards, resulting in a key fourth and three decision. Carr then attempted a pass to KK Smith, but it was broken up by freshman cornerback Micah Bell to all but seal the victory for Blue.
Angeli finished with 228 yards on the day and two touchdowns for Blue. Carr, playing for both teams, racked up 165 yards total and one touchdown. Minchey finished with 123 yards and a touchdown for Gold. Kahanu Kia led the Gold with 12 tackles, including two for a loss. Defensive tackle Jason Onye added two sacks for Gold. On the Blue side, linebacker Jaylen Sneed, Talich, and linebacker Drayk Bowen all had seven tackles each.
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