Offense Dominates Down the Stretch in Notre Dame’s Blue-Gold Game notre Dame’s annual Blue-Gold Game served up a springtime shootout as the offense stole the show in the second half, providing fans with a glimpse of what could be an explosive 2025 season. After a sluggish start that saw both defenses hold strong early, the final stretch turned into a scoring spree, with big plays, slick passing, and some impressive individual performances putting the offense firmly in the spotlight.The game, which traditionally pits the team against itself in a friendly yet competitive scrimmage, began as a relatively balanced affair. Both sides showed flashes of promise, but it wasn’t until the second half that the offensive units found their rhythm. Quarterback play was the key catalyst, with junior signal-caller Steve Angeli and early-enrollee freshman CJ Carr both making cases for why they should be in the conversation for meaningful reps this fall.Angeli, more seasoned and poised, demonstrated strong command of the offense, executing clean reads and pushing the ball downfield with confidence. He connected with wideout Jayden Thomas on a 35-yard touchdown pass midway through the third quarter that shifted momentum and ignited the scoring surge. Meanwhile, Carr, who has been drawing buzz since arriving on campus, lived up to the hype with a pair of scoring drives that showcased both his arm talent and calm under pressure.Running backs also contributed to the offensive outburst, with Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price each breaking off impressive runs. Love’s burst and agility were on full display as he danced through defenders on a 20-yard touchdown run, while Price powered through the middle for tough yardage and added a score of his own in the red zone.Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the offensive explosion was the improved cohesion of the offensive line. After facing scrutiny in recent seasons, the unit looked solid and well-coached, giving quarterbacks time in the pocket and opening lanes for the backs. Head coach Marcus Freeman praised the group after the game, noting their communication and physicality as major positives.On the receiving end, Tobias Merriweather stood out with a pair of acrobatic catches, and tight end Mitchell Evans provided a reliable target over the middle. The wide receiver corps, which had been considered a potential weak spot, looked deeper and more dynamic than anticipated.While the defense did make some key plays early—highlighted by a red zone interception from cornerback Benjamin Morrison and a sack by linebacker Jaylen Sneed—it ultimately faded as the offensive tempo increased. Freeman acknowledged that the defense wore down, but emphasized that the game film would provide valuable teaching moments ahead of the summer.In the end, the offensive dominance down the stretch wasn’t just about flashy stats. It was about momentum, growth, and the potential Notre Dame has to field one of its most balanced teams in recent memory. With summer workouts ahead and position battles heating up, the Blue-G
