As Notre Dame is still reeling from a very disappointing loss to Northern Illinois, a humbled Marcus Freeman had a chance to address the media, the country, and the Notre Dame faithful.
Photo by The Irish Tribune
Freeman started off the conference describing why he thought they lost the game. He summed up it with some simple categories: turnovers, explosive plays, rushing yards, and third downs. These were all areas Notre Dame lost in.
Freeman didn't focus on that, though. Instead he considers something much more important, something he has been reflecting on since the end of the game.
"We have to learn how to handle success"
This notion is something Notre Dame has always struggled with. The team had just come off a huge win against Texas A&M and were set up for a relatively easy schedule. This team, like others in the past, fell victim to a "trap game." These type of losses are something that Notre Dame has grown far too accustomed to.
Freeman followed this up by describing that he believes the team bought into the hype that surrounded the program, claiming that they were physically prepared, but mentally were not ready for their opponent.
Many would believe the mentality of the team is set by the coach. Freeman said he learned from this loss to never change the preparation for a certain opponent. A lesson that the Marshall loss should've taught him. NIU may have been another reminder of that critical lesson.
Freeman was then asked about Notre Dame's belief in running the table and finishing 11-1. He responded with his focus on taking the rest of the season one game at a time. A mindset that will be needed to right the ship after the NIU game.
The recent loss has also brought on questions regarding starting quarterback, Riley Leonard. Leonard's play thus far has not lived up to the expectations many had for him coming into the season. Freeman was asked about his consideration to looking elsewhere.
"No, there was no consideration of that. We've got a lot of belief in Riley and him running our offense...There are times where he's got to throw the ball better...We also have to be better around him"
Leonard threw two interceptions in the game on Saturday, one mid way through the fourth quarter that was a deciding play in the game. Leonard's performance against Texas A&M was not pretty either, but it was against much better talent. His A&M performance was praised for his ability to make timely plays and take care of the football. Both of those factors were absent against NIU.
During the interview, a question was asked about the up and down nature of Freeman's tenure at Notre Dame. He's had losses against Marshall, NIU, and Stanford, but he has also beaten Clemson, USC, and most recently, Texas A&M.
"That's the game of football, man."
His explanation described his journey to find sustained success in an ever-evolving landscape, going back to the theme of learning how to handle success.
Freeman was also asked about the team's preparation heading into Notre Dame's matchup with Purdue.
"Nobody is gonna feel sorry for us...I don't want anyone to feel sorry for us, let's go. I'm a competitor surrounded by competitors. Let's get back to work and lets challenge each other."
Freeman using this loss as motivation seems like a tactic that will be used for this week and the rest of the season. Freeman was asked about this and responded with a "maybe" and a smirk on his face. Yes, this loss will probably refocus the team and give them something to prove. The disappointing part is that a loss like this happened in the first place.
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