It's been a rollercoaster season for the 2024 Notre Dame football team, leading up to Monday's National Championship showdown in Atlantaagainst the Ohio State Buckeyes. In many ways, this team has really taken on the identity of its head coach, Marcus Freeman, which has been evident on their on the field play this season.
Grit, toughness, mental resilience and the relentless will to win week in and week out, not only speaks to the character of these players, but to the man at the top where all starts from. This is a team that has embraced Freeman’s coaching philosophy of not backing down, no matter the odds or obstacles. Despite the unexpected loss earlier in the season to Northern Illinois, the Irish are just one victory away from earning their first National Title since 1988.
Freeman has helped to instill an old school approach in South Bend, with his blue-collar mentality focusing on defense, solid special teams and a heavy dose of the run game. As a coach, he isn't flashy and instead he values hard work, preparation and discipline, principles that resonate with his players and which have been translated to how they play on Saturdays. There’s a toughness to this Notre Dame football group that mirrors Freeman’s own personality. No matter the circumstances, they find a way to persevere.
Resilience and resolve: The hallmarks of Notre Dame football
Expectations were high coming into this season, especially after the big win down in College Station. However, after suffering a surprise loss, at home, to Northern Illinois, a lot of question marks popped up, and people started wondering if Freeman was the right guy for the job. For a team with the hopes of a playoff berth and national title run, that defeat could have been devastating. But if there’s one thing Marcus Freeman has instilled in his players, it’s resilience.
'Next Man In' mentality in action for Notre Dame football
Freeman often talks about the "Next Man In' Mentality, and it’s been a mantra for this team. Whether it’s been injuries or the need to rely on new contributors, Notre Dame has weathered every storm. Key players have stepped up when their number was called. And it’s not just the established stars, it’s the unsung heroes who have answered the bell. The Irish have been a true team effort this season, with different players stepping into pivotal moments. From the defensive line to the backfield, the depth and collective will to win have been undeniable. Charles Jagusah, Cooper Flanagan, Benjamin Morrison, Rylie Mills, Anthonie Knapp are just a few of the major injuries that the Irish have had to deal with this season and they've seen true freshman and other players with limited snaps step in and be productive.
And no example really shows this mentality as most recently as we saw in the Orange Bowl, with Steve Angeli stepping in for Riley Leonard towards the end of the first half,. Freeman and the coaching staff had the confidence to let Angeli throw the ball, which allowed the Irish to put up points going into the half, giving the team confidence when they weren't that productive in the first half.
Leadership and trust elevate Notre Dame football to the brink of glory
Freeman is a steady influence, always instilling confidence with his group and reminding his players that nothing phases them. His calm, yet fiery demeanor, has been a constant this season which has helped to keep the team focused and maintain their poise and composure even when the stakes are at their highest.
The leadership with this team, starts at the top with their Head Coach, and extends to his players. From team captains to veterans, there’s a collective sense of responsibility that has helped get Notre Dame to this point. With their backs against the wall, they’ve stayed the course, guiding their teammates through adversity.
A Defense-First philosophy powers Notre Dame football’s success
Marcus Freeman’s identity as a defensive player and coach has become the backbone of Notre Dame’s success this season. His philosophy, which is rooted in discipline, physicality, and relentless pressure, has elevated the Irish defense into one of the best units in the country. They’ve been a reliable unit all year, creating turnovers, making game-changing stops, and flipping momentum in critical moments. We've also seen his aggressive mentality with the punt 'trick play' against Georgia, and overall, he hasn't been afraid to go for it on fourth down this season.
Freeman’s defensive DNA is evident with this group of players. From the trenches to the secondary, the Irish play with a grit and tenacity that reflects their coach’s vision. Whether it’s shutting down high-powered offenses or sealing victories with clutch plays, Notre Dame’s defense has been the team’s foundation, proving the adage that “defense wins championships.”
One Win Away: Notre Dame football’s season of grit and glory
It’s become clear that Notre Dame has taken on the identity of Marcus Freeman this season. They’ve embodied his toughness, resilience, and ability to bounce back from setbacks. They have never backed down from a challenge. The road to a title hasn't been easy, but with Freeman as their leader, the Irish have shown they are built to weather any storm.
In a season full of ups and downs, one thing is clear: Marcus Freeman's vision for Notre Dame football has come to life in 2024. And now, just one win away from a national championship, the Irish are ready to finish what they started.