Notre Dame football: What’s left to accomplish in the 2021 season?

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Oct 2, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Football Defensive Coordinator Marcus Freeman signals to his players in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Barring a miracle, the Notre Dame football team will likely be on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoff, so what is left to accomplish?

The Notre Dame football team lost at home to the Cincinnati Bearcats this weekend, and with that, likely ended their chances of getting to a College Football Playoff. While stranger things have happened, the Irish have a long road ahead of them if they want to be a member of the Final Four, but that does not mean their season is a loss.

There is still plenty for this team to play for, and here, we look at a few of them.

Notre Dame football: What’s left to accomplish in the 2021 season?

Continue to get comfortable in Freeman’s system

The Irish defense has improved weekly this season, and they continue to flash what Marcus Freeman likes on that side of the ball. The truth is, this is a transitional year for the Irish, as Freeman continues to recruit guys that he feels can fit his scheme the best, and the rewards of that could be a year or two away.

Still, those on the 2021 team who will be here next season and beyond need to continue to get comfortable in his system. We saw how good Cincinnati was on that side of the ball with Freeman’s guys, and based on the talent he has already gotten to commit to South Bend, this Irish defense is only going to get better and better.

As we navigate the rest of the slate, keep an eye on that side of the ball, and get excited about the future.

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