Notre Dame football best shot at winning the CFP yet comes following historic awards
The 2024 Notre Dame football season is entering its final stretch, and the Fighting Irish are looking more prominent than ever as they prepare for their College Football Playoff first round.
The Irish look to breakthrough their big game struggle and overcome all adversity as they are led by head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff. Notre Dame football has earned a historic recognition and has helped paved the way for a successful playoff run.
Set the stage for Notre Dame football CFP breakthrough
Notre Dame’s football program is on the brink of something special and Freeman is getting the credit he deserves. The Irish head coach nod is a finalist marks the first time since Brian Kelley in 2018 that a Notre Dame coach has received such an honor. Freeman joins a legendary group of Notre Dame coaches that have been nominated as a finalist including Brian Kelly, Charlie Weis, Lou Holtz, and Ara Parseghian.
Freeman led this 11-1 Irish team to their first playoff birth since 2020. This is the best Notre Dame team in the Marcus Freeman era and are the results Irish fans were looking for. Notre Dame has an All-American under Marcus Freeman in Xavier Watts. Rylie Mills also should be mentioned as he was an honorable mention in the Sports Illustrated All-American team. Other notable awards from the Irish team is Leonard Moore and Anthonie Knapp made the Freshman All-American team. Moore was also named the Freshman Corner of the Year.
But Freeman isn’t alone in receiving accolades as the Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden is a finalist for the Broyles Award, assistant coach of the year, and for the defensive Coordinator of the Year.
Golden and Mickens receive award recognition
Golden is in his 32 year as a coach and his second year as the Irish DC. Golden receives help from Mike Mickens who is also a finalist for Defensive Back Coach of the Year. Golden and Mickens defense has produced numbers that have made the Irish one of the best in the nation.
Mickens leading the charge of the d-backs is leading Fighting Irish defense as they lead the nation in pass completion against them since 2023 at 51%. The Irish have led up the fifth least number of touchdowns at just 20 total touchdowns in their season. Their ability to lock down the passing game has been vital, especially considering that Notre Dame has also given up the third fewest passing yards per game in the country at 157.9.
In addition to their pass defense, the Irish defense is tied for the 8th least amount of total yards allowed at just 296.8. Notre Dame defense has the second best turnover ratio in the country with a +16 as the Golden led defense is creating chaos for the opposing offenses and is providing the Irish offense with extra opportunities.
Delan McCullough earns finalist acknowledgement
On the other side of the ball, Notre Dame’s offense has been just as impressive. The Irish are ranked in the top 10 for rushing yards per game with 224.8 and is led by running back coach, Delan McCullough.
The Irish have been a force on the ground all season as they lean heavily on their rushing attack as they are top 3 in total points per game with 39.8. The Irish are third in total touchdowns with 65 and 40 of them were on the ground, which is top five in the country.
Marty Biagi is up for Special Teams Coordinator of the Year
While the offense and defense dominate, Notre Dame’s special teams have also been a difference-maker. The Irish are tied for the most blocked punts in FBS with 6. Bryce Young has three of those, ranking him second in the nation for blocked punts.
Marcus Freeman looks for Notre Dame football history
Marcus Freeman is positioning this Fighting Irish squad for a historic CFP run and their first National Championship since 1988. Freeman, has built a culture at Notre Dame Football that now is transitioning to the field and giving Irish fans the results that have wanted for 36 years. Irish take on Indiana Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. local time.