Steve Angeli evaluates performance in his first start

Bowl season has become an interesting time for many college programs, given the proliferation of opt-outs and the shakeup that can cause to many otherwise terrific matchups on paper. Notre Dame was no stranger to opt-outs this bowl season.

Starting quarterback Sam Hartman and starting running back Audric Estime both opted out, among others, providing opportunities for other players to make their marks.

Quarterback Steve Angeli was the beneficiary of the decision at quarterback, getting his first start with Hartman hitting the pine. He turned in a terrific performance, throwing for three touchdowns without an interception in the contest.

He said he was ready because he had been locked in from Day 1 in bowl season.

“Preparation, everything that we do on a day-to-day basis, my weekly routine I don’t shy away from,” Steve Angeli said. “There’s a plan. And like coach (Marcus) Freeman said, it’s not just because we want it to happen, it’s because of the work we put in behind the scenes that allows us to go on the field and have success for 60 minutes.”

Notre Dame certainly showed that off in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, whooping Oregon State 40-8 for the win. Angeli went 15-of-19 passing for 232 yards and the three touchdowns. He also added 27 yards rushing.

He credited his teammates and his coaching staff for helping him be ready for the moment.

“Overall just the bowl prep, having this time and being around coach (Gino) Guidugli and the young guys and just building confidence in them,” Steve Angeli said.

Notre Dame was dominant in the win from start to finish, piling up 468 total yards of offense in the contest. Angeli kept the offense humming right along, while the defense did its part by limiting the Beavers to just 197 total yards. Oregon State finished with just two yards rushing.

Angeli praised his team for earning a solid all-around win, rather than taking the credit for his strong performance.

“I’m proud of my performance but it really isn’t about me,” Steve Angeli said. “It’s about this team, about the guys around here. I’m super proud of the guys up front, the freshman O-line that stepped up, the freshman receivers, especially the backs that took a heavier load with Audric out. I’m just proud of getting 10 wins and winning the Sun Bowl.”