Marcus Freeman Speaks Out on Game-Sealing Play That Ended Notre Dame’s Title Hopes
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman stood on the precipice of history Monday night, with a chance to become the youngest head coach since 1982 to win a national championship. For much of the game, his Fighting Irish team battled valiantly against the Ohio State Buckeyes in a clash that had all the hallmarks of a title classic. But with the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth quarter, one decision by Freeman proved to be the turning point that sealed Notre Dame’s fate.
Trailing 31-23 with just 2:38 left on the clock, Notre Dame faced a critical moment on defense. Ohio State, clinging to their lead, lined up on a third-and-11 from their own 34-yard line. What happened next will likely haunt Notre Dame fans for years.
Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard dropped back and unleashed a 56-yard bomb to freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith. It was a jaw-dropping play—Smith’s first target of the entire second half—that stunned the Notre Dame secondary and effectively ended the game. Smith’s clutch reception set up a game-clinching field goal for Ohio State, cementing a 34-23 victory and leaving Notre Dame’s championship dreams in ruins.
Freeman’s Gamble: Bold or Reckless?
In the aftermath of the heartbreaking loss, Freeman faced intense scrutiny for his decision to dial up an all-out blitz on the fateful play. Critics questioned why he left Smith, one of college football’s most electrifying young talents, in one-on-one coverage during such a high-stakes moment.
But Freeman, known for his candid and composed demeanor, stood by his call when speaking to reporters after the game.
“It was do or die,” Freeman explained. “That’s the kind of down we were in. If they run it and get the first down, the game is over. We needed a stop, and at that moment, we believed the best way to get it was to apply zero pressure. At some point, you’ve got to have faith that your guys can make a play.”
His justification revealed the razor-thin margins that define championship football, where split-second decisions can determine the outcome of months of preparation.
The Jeremiah Smith Problem
Freeman didn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenge posed by Jeremiah Smith, who proved to be a nightmare matchup for the Irish defense. The 6-foot-3 freshman wideout showcased why he’s been touted as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the nation.
“There were times in the second half where we tried man coverage, and he still made us pay,” Freeman admitted. “You play zone, and they’ll pick you apart. You play man, and they’ll find ways to get him the ball. It’s a talented offense, and in that situation, we had to pick our poison.”
Smith’s late-game heroics weren’t just a testament to his talent but a glaring example of the challenges posed by Ohio State’s loaded roster. It was a game of chess, and in the critical moment, the Buckeyes’ pieces were better positioned.
What Went Wrong for Notre Dame?
The loss wasn’t just about one play—it was the culmination of missed opportunities and tough decisions that didn’t go Notre Dame’s way. The Fighting Irish struggled to contain Ohio State’s balanced attack, with quarterback Will Howard showcasing his dual-threat abilities and the Buckeyes’ defense making timely stops to stymie Notre Dame’s momentum.
Despite the loss, Freeman’s team showed grit and determination throughout the game. The Fighting Irish started the season as underdogs and exceeded expectations to even make it to the national title game. But for Freeman, the sting of coming so close and falling short will undoubtedly fuel future aspirations.
The Aftermath: Questions and Resolve
For Marcus Freeman, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s also a lesson in the unforgiving nature of elite college football. As he reflected on the outcome, he made it clear that his team would learn and grow from the experience.
“We’ve got to be better,” Freeman said. “These moments are what define you. Tonight, we came up short, but this team will be back. The journey doesn’t end here.”
While the national championship trophy eluded Freeman and the Irish, their performance this season proved they belong among college football’s elite. Freeman’s bold decisions may have cost them the game, but his leadership and willingness to take risks signal a bright future for Notre Dame.
As the Buckeyes celebrated their championship, Freeman and the Irish were left to ponder the what ifs. What if the blitz had worked? What if Smith hadn’t been left one-on-one? What if a few plays had gone differently?
For now, the answers to those questions remain a mystery. But one thing is certain: Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish aren’t done writing their story. And next time, they’ll be determined to finish it with a championship ending.
