New running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider brings a lot of post season experience to the table as well, despite his season being cut a game short last year due to Penn State’s loss to the Irish in the Orange Bowl. The biggest question mark for Notre Dame’s offense is experience at the quarterback position with the departure of Riley Leonard. However, back up quarterback Steve Angeli gained some invaluable experience last year against the Nittany Lions in the semi finals that will bode well in whatever role he has for the Irish this upcoming season.

“I feel like I went in and just did my job,” Angeli said when asked about his final first half drive against Penn State. “That’s what was asked of me. I performed the way I needed to perform. Frankly I just doing my job. I was already confident and I’m confident now. It felt really good to support the team and be a part of that win.”

Angeli entered the game with under two minutes left in the first half when Leonard went out to be evaluated for a concussion. On that drive, Angeli went 6 for 7 for 42 yards and led the offense on their first scoring drive of the night, bring the score to a 10-3 half time deficit when they went into halftime. As we’ve seen before in the past, the moment was not too big for Angeli. When asked about what it meant to him, he had this to say:

“Yeah, it was an awesome opportunity, but that’s what you get playing for Notre Dame. People are going to watch because it’s Notre Dame Football.”

Freshman running back Aneyas Williams also played a key role in their win in the Orange Bowl. His performance on the first drive of the second half sparked the offense and tied the game 10-10 after Notre Dame’s first series in the third quarter. He caught a beautiful 36 yard pass on a sluggo route and followed that up with a 15 yard run that put them in prime scoring position.

“I actually got one rep of it throughout the week, just one,” Williams Stated about his catch. “I knew it was in there, I knew there was a chance that when my number was called I’d make the most of it. That’s just something I do on a daily basis. I’ve always been good with my hands receiving back, so, that’s something I pride myself on and I think separates myself a little bit.”

When asked about his run, on the following play, Williams response perfectly embodied what got the Irish through the post season.

“For me, personally, I always want what’s best for the team so just being able to impact the team in any way possible, that’s what felt good for me. Being able to do that and see the team energy pick up, that was a big thing for me. I felt like I was a big part of that game.”

Coach Seider was on the opposing sideline during Notre Dame’s magical come-from-behind victory in the Orange Bowl. He talked about what the experience was like for him and how that’s fueling his desire to get back to that stage.

“I was pulling for those guys to win, because we weren’t playing in it. I hope I experience that again next year. It was awesome. I thought the Orange Bowl felt like a championship game. The fans were awesome and that atmosphere was awesome. Our job is to get back there next year.”