By Liam Farrell｜Senior Staff Writer｜Twitter/X: @LiamFarrell_IT
Via The Irish Tribune
Since the announcement of the Sun Bowl, multiple factors have changed Notre Dame's matchup against Oregon State. With multiple key players entering the transfer portal, along with many coaching changes on both sides, the Irish and the Beavers are looking to see what their future holds with younger players in this one. Recently, Notre Dame has lost 4 wide receivers to the transfer portal, in addition to losing their offensive coordinator, Gerad Parker. The Beavers are in a similar boat as their Head Coach Jonathan Smith took his talents to East Lansing, MI, and brought the future of the Oregon State football program, Aiden Chiles, with him. The Beavers' starting quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei has also entered the transfer portal, leaving Oregon State with their 3rd string QB. Besides an Irish victory, let's look at five separate factors to look for when watching this one.
Steve Angeli
With Notre Dame securing the commitment of highly touted prospect, Riley Leonard, Steve Angeli is ultimately displaying if he will be a serviceable backup in the 2024 season. While it may be likely that Angeli enters the transfer portal after this season, it should be good for him to get great game reps if he does decide to stay in South Bend for the 2024 campaign. With limited reps in garbage time scenarios this year, Angeli has made the most of his opportunities. The Sun Bowl will be the ultimate stage for Angeli to showcase his talent, even with a rather slim wide receiver room.
Gino Guidugli's Playcalling
In other recent news, with Gerad Parker being named the next head coach of Troy University, the play calling duties will be handed to quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli. Guidugli, who is rumored to be the favorite in house candidate to take over for Parker at the offensive coordinator position, has his chance to pitch to Marcus Freeman why he should be elevated for the position. There were rumors at the end of the season that Gino was calling the plays after the meltdown at Clemson, in which the Irish finally utilized the play action game. Guidugli was extremely involved in the playcalling for the game-winning two-minute drill against Duke halfway through the season, as well. With a depleted Notre Dame wide receiving core, Guidugli will certainly need to find a creative way to get the passing game going for the Irish.
Offensive Tackle
The Notre Dame offensive tackle position will be featuring two new starters due to LT Joe Alt and RT Blake Fisher both declaring for the NFL Draft. It is rumored that Charles Jagusah, the 6'7' 330 lb. freshman from Rock Island, IL, will be getting the nod at left tackle. Jagusah was ranked the 8th best offensive tackle in the 2023 recruiting class and was the highest rated Notre Dame signee in his class. On the right side, there has been an intense competition between Tosh Baker and Aamil Wagner. Baker is the bigger, older lineman who has had two career starts back in 2021 against Purdue and Wisconsin. Wagner, on the other hand, has the higher upside, but is a bit smaller and less experienced. It should be interesting to see who gets the nod at the right tackle position and how this newly formed offensive line comes together to protect Angeli in his first career start.
Young Linebackers
With Marist Liufau declaring for the NFL draft, the linebacker position has one more opening in the Sun Bowl. This spot will likely be filled by Sophomore Jaylen Sneed, who has been excellent when he has gotten playing time this year. While JD Bertrand is out of eligibility after this game, Jack Kiser recently announced that he will be returning for the 2024 season, which is a significant addition as Kiser will provide much needed leadership. This game also is a phenomenal opportunity for freshman Drayk Bowen and Jaiden Ausberry to get meaningful snaps in the rotation, as well.
Mickey and Gray
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With Cam Hart leaving for the NFL draft, the Irish will need to find someone to play opposite to All American Cornerback Benjamin Morrison. The two most likely candidates to fill this hole are sophomore Jaden Mickey and freshman Christian Gray. Both Mickey and Gray have slowly, but surely been integrated into the rotation at the end of this season, and both have recorded an interception. This game will serve as a great benchmark to see which talented, young cornerback the coaching staff likes more.
Wrap-Up
The Sun Bowl is an exciting event as a Notre Dame fan to see what talent the Irish have down the pipeline. This game will serve as a great test to see the depth of the Notre Dame football program. Out of these five factors, which one are you most excited for?
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