Marcus Freeman Prepares Notre Dame for High-Stakes Showdown Against Ohio State
As Notre Dame and Ohio State gear up for their third consecutive clash, this year’s College Football Playoff National Championship game promises to deliver all the drama of a heavyweight bout. The Fighting Irish, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, will face the Buckeyes in Atlanta, marking another chapter in what has become a thrilling rivalry between two storied programs.
Looking Beyond the Past
Notre Dame’s previous two encounters with Ohio State in 2022 and 2023 were heartbreakingly close, with the Buckeyes securing wins by a combined margin of just 14 points. However, Freeman, an Ohio State alumnus, has made it clear that the focus is on the present and not the past.
“I’ve told the team all week, this isn’t about what happened before,” Freeman emphasized. “This isn’t about where I went to school, and it’s not about the two previous games. It’s about the opportunity in front of us right now. This team is different, Ohio State is different, and we’re preparing to take advantage of what we do best.”
Stopping Jeremiah Smith: A Key Defensive Focus
One of the biggest challenges for Notre Dame will be containing Ohio State’s standout freshman wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith. With 71 receptions, 1,227 yards, and 14 touchdowns this season, Smith has been a nightmare for opposing defenses.
“Jeremiah Smith is one of the best young receivers I’ve ever seen in college football,” Freeman said. “He’s a physical presence, but he’s also incredibly skilled. It’s not just about stopping him; it’s about keeping their entire offense off balance. That starts with disrupting their rhythm and making them uncomfortable.”
Facing an Elite Quarterback in Will Howard
Ohio State’s offense is orchestrated by graduate transfer quarterback Will Howard, who has enjoyed a stellar season with 3,779 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. Freeman acknowledged Howard’s ability to make smart decisions and extend plays as a significant challenge.
“He’s an elite decision-maker,” Freeman said of Howard. “He’s got a great arm and can make plays with his legs. This moment won’t be too big for him, and we know he’ll be ready. Our job is to disrupt his rhythm and make him think twice about every decision.”
While Howard struggled in Ohio State’s upset loss to Michigan, completing only 57% of his passes for 175 yards and two interceptions, Freeman isn’t solely relying on replicating Michigan’s defensive game plan.
“We’ve studied that game, but we have to play to our strengths,” Freeman explained. “You can’t just copy another team’s blueprint and expect it to work. We’ll take lessons from that game, but our focus is on executing what we do well. It’s about stopping the run, defending in the red zone, and forcing their quarterback into difficult situations.”
Notre Dame’s Strategy: Trusting Their Players
Freeman is confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. While Ohio State boasts explosive playmakers like Smith and Emeka Egbuka, Freeman believes Notre Dame’s defense can meet the challenge.
“We’ve got great players too,” Freeman said. “We trust our guys to get the job done. Whether it’s stopping the run or making big plays in the red zone, it’s about executing our game plan and staying disciplined.”
A Shot at History
Monday night’s matchup carries significant weight for both programs. Notre Dame is chasing its first national championship since 1988, while Ohio State aims to secure its first title since 2014. The game will also be the third postseason meeting between the teams, with previous encounters in the Fiesta Bowl in 2005 and 2015.
For Freeman, this game is about more than just a championship—it’s about cementing the progress of Notre Dame’s program and proving that the Irish can compete at the highest level.
“This is why we play,” Freeman said. “These moments are what college football is all about. We’re excited for the challenge, and we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got.”
With two powerhouse teams and a national title on the line, all eyes will be on Atlanta as Notre Dame and Ohio State prepare to deliver a game for the ages.
