Watching Notre Dame Football > Not Watching Notre Dame Football
Welcome to Hot and Cold Takes: Spring Game. As a reminder to all of the readers, this is HEAVILY driven by you. To recap: the format allows for readers and fans to leave their own takes for the game, both HOT and COLD. As a recap, a HOT take is one that may cause some controversy, but will allow you to say, “CALLED IT!”. A COLD take is still impressive, but is generally more reasonable/expected.
This week is a bit unique, since the Spring game is generally wrought with anticipation, yet leaves much to be desired. HOWEVAAAAA. Never forget that this is the only small bit of college football that can get us through the end of the year. Once summer hits we will start getting more reports and updates, but for the next few months…nothing. For the love of God Cherish it because Football > Not Football.
Pardon the near copy and paste from last year, but it’s the Spring Game and my feelings about the game stay consistent. And now onto the takes as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Cold Take
We don’t really learn anything about the Quarterback Battle
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
While everyone would love to know who the starter is for 2025 this Spring, that is simply not the reality. At first thought, you’d assume it could be gamesmanship by the coaches to try and ensure as many QBs as possible stay. However, I don’t believe the coaches are totally sure who the starter is. Steve Angeli, CJ Carr, and Kenny Minchey have all been battling, but doing so without the full offense around them. They’re without their starting OL, their likely starting WR core, and a very limited Jeremiyah Love. The coaches will likely have a better idea going into camp after all summer workouts and will likely finalize after the first portion of camp ends. I think every QB looks fine, but using this game as an evaluation tool with so many missing pieces is a dangerous game (I will absolutely overreact to every throw and so should you).
Hot Take
Elijah Burress dominates
Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
From all accounts, Burress seems destined to be a “hit” for the Irish. He has been flashing throughout Spring camp after a breakout senior season. Without the majority of the Irish WRs playing, Burress will get tons of reps and plenty of action his way. On top of that, the starters in the Irish secondary will play limited minutes so Burress will be going against 2s, 3s, and walk-ons. I could see 5 catches for 75 yards and a TD. Another name I considered is Logan Saldate…..who I am very high on long term in an Irish uniform.
Your Takes: Please leave your takes below (hot, cold medium-any temp). I will feature the top Takes next week. GO IRISH!