If Riley Leonard was hurt, and could not run. The fact Freeman left him in the game, makes him SOLEY responsible for this loss. Riley Leonard with no ability to run, is far and away the worst QB on the roster. The reason ND has had 3 of these horrific losses in 2 seasons and 3 games is, because this Head Coach is clueless. A deep shot on 2nd & 1 is a fine call, but throwing the ball deep with a busted QB is coaching malpractice of the highest order.
I know, all you gotta do is take him out, and put him back in when he's better, vs Purdue, vs whoever. You don't have to permanently switch to Angeli. The point being, as you seem to allude to, there would be no need or call for any loyalty to, of all people, this newcomer, this transfer QB, as if his presence is some specific reflection on you, and so you're going to be loath to ever take him out. When of course such hesitation could be easily to the detriment of the team.
That's pure psychologizing on my part, but good god, I sure hope that's not where MF finds himself. You have to be strong enough as a HC, in the brave new world of free transfers and NIL money, to make a big investment and bring in a sought-after QB, but still be willing to bench him as needed for the good of the team, and by extension yourself, if the circumstances dictate, in this case merely a minor injury. And permanently or indefinitely if need be. And not let it feel as if it's your failure and let it cloud your judgement or affect your leadership.
