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Notre Dame coach shares Irish’s plan at QB for Gator Bowl against South Carolina
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
No. 21 Notre Dame will take on No. 19 South Carolina in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 30. Leading up to the contest, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman announced that sophomore Tyler Buchner will start at quarterback over freshman Steve Angeli.
WATCH: #NDFootball coach Marcus Freeman says the plan is for @TylerBuchner to start at QB in the Gator Bowl. @gatorbowlsports #GamecockFB pic.twitter.com/XyR4PKKw8B
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) December 26, 2022
Freeman said that both quarterbacks received first-team reps prior to this decision.
“Tyler and Steve have gotten reps with the ones this week during bowl prep, but as we get closer to game time Tyler will be with the ones and Steve Angeli will be with the twos,” Freeman said.
Buchner started the season as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback prior to sustaining a shoulder injury in a loss vs. Marshall on Sept. 10. Prior to the setback, Buchner went 28-for-50 with 378 yards, no touchdowns and 2 interceptions to begin the season.
Drew Pyne, now headed to Arizona State via the transfer portal, took over the rest of the season and compiled 2,021 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions with a passer rating of 155.3.
Freeman is encouraged by the strides Buchner has made since then.
“He’s done great. He’s progressing from not playing football for so many weeks. Every day he gets better and better. His decision making, just getting back there and having live reps,” Freeman said. “Obviously he’s not getting hit, he’s in the red …. but to have him out there getting live reps has been good.”
