Notre Dame held its annual Blue-Gold football scrimmage today, which provided the Fighting Irish faithful with an extended preview of the 2024 squad. Although I’m not a film junkie, I couldn’t help but jot down a few observations.

Overall, the play of the quarterbacks was mixed. The defense was frequently able to bring pressure, and each signal-caller felt the effects. The group put the ball up for grabs on far too many occasions.

• Steve Angeli displayed poise but has only average arm strength and release. His ball placement on short throws was spotty and he was late on a couple of throws that could have resulted in big gains. Despite those negatives, he quietly delivered respectable numbers.
• Kenny Minchey is a viable threat as a runner and has the strongest arm among the three who played. His decision making and ability to stay calm in the pocket are areas where he needs to improve.
• CJ Carr showed good accuracy and a quick release.  His skills are advanced for a  freshman and he appears to have a bright future. Carr needs only experience and repetitions that will polish his game and enhance his decision making. That probably won’t happen in earnest until next spring.

• At running back, Gi’Bran Payne stood out and Jeremiah Love flashed his immense talent late in the proceedings. Aneyas Williams also ran hard when given the chance and scored a touchdown. The downside was there were numerous fumbles by multiple ball carriers.

• The wide receivers were disappointing in the first half. Numerous drops and lack of separation held back the offenses. Most of the receiving yards during the game resulted from flat passes and checkdowns. This changed later when KK Smith, Jaden Greathouse, and Micah Gilbert asserted themselves against second and third teamers. One positive is that the staff targeted the same receiver on the next play following a drop, usually with better results.

• The offensive linemen were split between the teams, so the typical first and second units were not intact. The disruption evidenced itself in pass protection, which was problematic all day. Tackle Charles Jagusah did not have his best day, and there were several bad shotgun snaps. Guard Rocco Spindler looked strong in the running game and tackle Aamil Wagner played well overall.

• Jack Larsen displayed good hands at tight end. A couple of poor throws impacted Eli Raridon’s chances to shine, but he also had an unforced drop. We didn’t get to see much of Cooper Flanagan. It was nice to hear from Mitchell Evans on a sideline interview, though.

• The comments regarding the defense are a bit more positive. Several players flashed their skills and highlighted the fact that there is considerable depth at Al Golden’s disposal.

• Up front, Boubacar Traore and Jason Onye were difficult to block. End Roman Oben showed quickness that I hadn’t known he possessed in rushing the passer. Jordan Botelho also displayed explosiveness off the edge but was flagged a couple of times for jumping offsides.

• The play of the linebackers was uniformly impressive. Kahanu Kia seemed to make every tackle with a crunching hit. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa looked like an upperclassman as he shed blocks and found the ball. He also broke up a pass downfield. Drayk Bowen, Jaylen Sneed, and Preston Zinter also had solid performances. Finally, Jaiden Ausberry showed excellent coverage skills and tackling ability in  his developing role as a safety-linebacker hybrid.

• The first and second team defensive backs held their own quite well. Many passing plays ended with the quarterback pulling the ball down and running or dumping it to the safety valve. Safety Luke Talich had an interception when Minchey forced a throw. That wasn’t an isolated incident, however, as there could have easily been two or three more picks on the day. The downfield passing game opened up in the second half. Smith had two long sideline receptions and battled reserve corner Micah Bell in an entertaining matchup of speedsters.

• Kicker Mitch Jeter was competent but the ball does not explode off his foot as it did with Spencer Shrader last year. Jeter’s failed 50-yard field goal attempt was painfully disappointing although the wind had something to do with it.

• In other notes, I noticed that NBC’s Jason Garrett offered more valuable insights and delivered them in crisper fashion than last season. His analysis of the quarterback play was useful and objective if not somewhat repetitive. Let’s hope for more bullet points and less rambling monologue this fall.
• Finally, the halftime interview with Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua was a pleasure to watch. Bevacqua was articulate and knowledgeable while displaying humility and a genuine appreciation for the opportunities and challenges of his position. His demeanor and likeability are a refreshing counterpoint to his predecessor.

In summary, we were not treated to a full showcase of the talent and potential of this team. Nevertheless, there is a lot to be excited about regarding the 2024 Fighting Irish. The status of three injured players will be a major factor in determining the ceiling of this team. They are quarterback Riley Leonard, tight end Mitchell Evans, and cornerback Ben Morrison. If all three are ready to go on opening day, this team will go as far as the offensive line will take them. This group has plenty of work to do between now and then but there is sufficient talent and depth to yield a quality unit.