Notre Dame Football: Fans Chant for Riley Leonard to be Benched

Notre Dame and Riley Leonard had a brutal start against Miami University and Irish fans were beyond frustrated

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard looks for an open receiver during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Northern Illinois at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in South Bend. | Michael Clubb / USA TODAY NETWORK

Did Notre Dame learn from two weeks ago when the MAC's Northern Illinois squad came into Notre Dame Stadium and beat the Fighting Irish as a roughly four touchdown favorite?

It certainly didn't appear so as Miami University came into Notre Dame Stadium and pushed the Irish around for much of the first half.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard struggled mightily to start, averaging less than four yards per pass attempt through his first nine passes.

Just before Notre Dame put together a drive to finally get on the board late in the first half, fans showed their frustrations toward Leonard as many chanted for backup Steve Angeli to take over at quarterback.

Fans currently screaming “Steve Angeli” as Riley Leonard takes the field. pic.twitter.com/eaHcQ8Tgod

— Sabrina Hoover (@sahoov1214) September 21, 2024

Notre Dame took the lead late in the first half but it was hardly an impressive first half for the Irish as it went to the locker room leading Miami University 14-3 after a late offensive burst.

More From Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Sports Illustrated

Notre Dame football again without defensive lineman vs. Miami University

Notre Dame football vs. Miami University: A Full Preview