Notre Dame took starting quarterback Riley Leonard out to rest and avoid potential injury as the second half started against the Purdue Boilermakers with the Fighting Irish leading comfortably, 42-0.
Two plays later, backup Steve Angeli may have inadvertently started a quarterback controversy when he hid a wide-open Cooper Flanagan for a 28-yard touchdown. The tight end was so open because Purdue was too aggressive on defense.
This means Angeli has one passing touchdown on the season, while Leonard, who struggled against Texas A&M and Northern Illinois, has none. Leonard did run for three touchdowns in the first half, and while his passing numbers were pedestrian, he did look more comfortable throwing the football.
One easy touchdown is unlikely to cause a quarterback change, but some frustrated fans will likely advocate for it anyway. At least until Leonard looks as consistently comfortable passing as he does running.
TOUCHDOWN IRISH
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