Syracuse Faces Notre Dame Without Key Quarterback Angeli

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will host the Syracuse Orange in their final regular season home game Saturday, with a significant absence on the field. Former Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli, who transferred to Syracuse, will not play due to a torn Achilles injury.

Angeli suffered the injury during Syracuse’s victory over Clemson earlier in the season. Before his injury, he had completed 62.8% of his passes for 1,317 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Angeli’s injury has severely impacted the Orange, who are currently sitting at a disappointing 3-7 record after starting the season with a 3-1 record.

Notre Dame, ranked ninth, enters the matchup with an 8-2 record and having won eight straight games. Head coach Marcus Freeman expressed his respect for Angeli, stating, “Steve is a guy who gave everything he’s gotten to this place when he was here. I’m always supporting him.”

In Angeli’s absence, Syracuse will turn to a freshman walk-on lacrosse player as their starting quarterback. This drastic change comes as the Orange struggles to produce offensively, averaging just over 11 points per game since Angeli’s injury.

Despite their record, Freeman emphasized that his team is taking Syracuse seriously, noting, “Every test, as we continue to move forward, will be tougher. Every one.” The team will honor 32 seniors, including notable players like Malachi Fields and Justin Fisher, in a ceremony before the game.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, where the Fighting Irish will aim to secure their playoff spot while the Orange look to break a six-game losing streak.